Orion Saga

Part 2

Celestial Battle

Chapter 2: Awakening

Sailor Bellatrix is the first of the trio to make it back to the apartment. When she opens the door, she sees the dim light from the answering machine. She walks over to it and pushes the button. She sits on the sofa and listens.

~*~*~*~*~

Star Chaser's thoughts are interrupted when he hears the beeping. "Yes."

"Star Chaser. She is alright."

"Did you hear from her, Bellatrix?"

"No. She called here while we were out."

He smiles to himself. 'So she is awake then.' "What did she say?"

"She was calling to make sure we were alright. She seemed to be worried that no one picked up. She has the orbns and is safe. She was unable to wake her guardians, but has taken them to a safe place."

"That's good."

Yes, but..."

"What is it?"


She and the planets left to find Queen Andromeda. She has taken the orbs with her."

The young man is silent for sometime.

"Star Chaser?"

"I want you and Najid to meet me at the park."

"The park?"

"Yes. And please hurry."

~*~*~*~*~

"I can't believe someone would do this." Sailor Moon looks around them as they walk through the city. There are people asleep on the streets and the outsides of buildings. It looks as though people has just passed out right in the middle of their activities.

Sailor Jupiter walks just behind Sailor Orion who is alongside Sailor Uranus and Neptune. "Who exactly is Queen Andromeda anyway?"

Orion turns slightly to look at her. "Someone with a lot of power." She looks up at the sky. "I've seen this before."

Sailor Jupiter looks at her. "What did you say?"

"Nothing...just thinking out loud." She casts her eyes ahead of them. 'I don't know why...maybe I've been through this before. It's like one of my dreams...all the same. The darkness.' She places a gloved hand on the belt at her waist where the orbs are secured. 'I only hope that I'll know hoe to use these when the time comes or they may never wake up.'

She is snatched away from her thoughts when she feels a hand on her shoulder. Turning, she looks down to see the tiny senshi leader. "You've been pretty quiet. Even for you. Do you think our chances are good?"

Orion looks a t Sailor Moon. "To be honest, I don't know. I've never fought her before."

Sailor Moon thinks for a moment. "Are you sure? On the star...she seemed to know you. I think that maybe-"

The star senshi nods. "There is a possibility. Only, it does no good to bring it up. It's not something that I can remember."

"I'm confused by that."

Everyone turns to look at Sailor Venus. "All this time you've been battling for the orbs. Are you saying you don't even know why?"

"No. I know my duty. There are just some things that I have...let's just say that there may have been a life that I've lived before and it's a little hazy."

"Believe me, we all understand that."

Sailor Orion looks at Sailor Moon. "What?"

"It's just that, well, we have a lot more in common than you may think."

The purple clad senshi raises an eyebrow but says nothing.

Sailor Mars speaks. "I don't like the idea of walking around like sitting ducks. Where are we going?"

Sailor Orion glances back at her. The soldier of fire is walking next to Sailor Mercury and Sailor Chibi Moon. "It's not much farther. I'd rather be somewhere where people won't get hurt."

~*~*~*~*~

The group is reflected in the lenses of the blue mirrored shades. Star Chaser and his companions remain hidden within the boughs of a large tree. Sailor Najid whispers. "It is them, but I still see no sign of Andromeda."

Star Chaser watches as they enter the park. "She'll be here."

Najid looks at him. "Do you think that she will remember how to do it?"

"I only hope so. We all know what will happen if she can't cast off the darkness."

"Everyone in this world will die."

~*~*~*~*~

The soldiers stand ready to fight the moment they enter the park. Uranus glances around the area. "I can't see anything."

"That's what happens with no moon and no stars."

Everyone looks up in surprise at the sound of the voice. Queen Andromeda's form is hidden in shadow until she lights a ball of energy. The scouts are shocked to see just how close to them she really is. With barely two yards between them, she addresses Orion. "So. It looks as if you've finally decided to show yourself." She looks down to see the orbs on the belt at her waist. "And you even brought the orbs. Wonderful."

Orion looks at her with contempt. "What have you done to everyone?"

"Surely you know. Think back." She notices the look on Orion's face. "Don't be so frustrated. Or is it that you simply don't remember?"

"Hey! Leave her alone!" Sailor Moon stands next to Sailor Orion. "Whatever past you're taunting her with, it's obvious that it's lost. So why not just stay in the present?"

Queen Andromeda smiles wickedly. "Sailor Moon. You of all people should know that no one can advance without knowing from where they came. Poor Orion's memories are the only chance she has of defeating me." She looks at the star soldier. "And let's face it Orion. You don't remember a damned thing."

The star senshi closes her eyes at the biting words. Andromeda continues. "You would have done much better to have just left the orbs behind. Had you fallen asleep, then it might not have hurt so much when I destroyed you. But now you get to watch me destroy all that you hold dear on this miserable planet."

The other sailor soldiers watch Orion's back as Andromeda talks. There is no movement, but her fists continually clench and unclench. "Why don't you just shut-up?"

"Is this too much for you? I would think that you would know the truth when it's presented to you. You're guardians aren't here to help you."

The fuchsia head snaps up. "How do you know about them?"

"When are you going to realize it? I know everything about you, Zentora. Or should I say Oriana?"

Star Chaser hears the taunting from his vantage point. He watches as Orion stands there unsure of what to do or say. 'Come on. Just use the orbs. We could end it all right here...right now if you just use the orbs.' He closes his hand and a rose appears. It is black with blue flecks of color on the petals.

Bellatrix looks at him. "Star Chaser, what are you doing?"

"We have to help her. If they start fighting it will eventually come to her. I've lost her once. I won't let Andromeda take her from me. Not when I've worked so hard to find her."

"I want to help her too. Our...princess."

Star Chaser looks at Bellatrix with surprise and appreciation. "Thank you, Amazon."

~*~*~*~*~

Andromeda is about to advance on Sailor Orion when a bright light flashes between them. The dark night is lit up and when the flash dies down, Orion is nowhere to be seen. Queen Andromeda and the other senshi look around for her, but there is no trace.

"Are you alright?"

"Star Chaser? I thought you were-"

"No, I'm fine. We were out looking for you once everything grew dark."

She looks around and sees Andromeda standing with the others. She and Star Chaser are standing under a tree in the distance. "This has happened before hasn't it?"

Star Chaser looks at her. "It's familiar to you then?"

"Yes. I've had dreams like this. Dreams about us as well."

"Yes...this has happened before. The only way to end it is with the orbs. Queen Andromeda's counting on the fact that you won't know how to use them."

"I think she's winning that bet."

Star Chaser sees the frustrated look on her face. "It's alright. You can beat her. You've done it before. And I'll be here if you need me."

Sailor Orion looks at the other scouts. 'I can't leave them out there alone fighting my battle.' "Pup."

"What about him?"

"He and Sirius said something about a sleeping power. A well of energy." Star Chaser looks at her. "I think I know what to do."

~*~*~*~*~

"Orion! I will give you until the count of three. If you do not show yourself then I will destroy your friends right here. Starting with Uranus."

Sailor Uranus watches the evil star queen with narrowed eyes. "I"d like to see you try it."

"One..."

The other senshi stand firm and Uranus raises her hand, preparing to attack.

"Two..."

"NO!"

All of them turn to see the star soldier standing by herself. Andromeda looks at her. "I thought that would get you out here."

"Andromeda. Leave them out of this."

Sailor Moon looks at the purple senshi. "Sailor Orion!"

"It's alright, Sailor Moon."

Queen Andromeda looks at her. "You seem a lot more confident."

Sailor Orion smiles mischievously. "Let's just say I've remembered a little secret."

Andromeda raises an eyebrow.

Orion closes her eyes and concentrates. The energy begins to build up inside of her. Wind begins to blow around her and she opens her eyes. Slowly, the star begins to form as she raises her hands above her head. Sailor Mercury nods as she realizes what the other soldier is planning to do. "Everyone, prepare to attack together." Each senshi concentrates on her attack.

Queen Andromeda watches them all with amused silence.

Sailor Orion is the first to let loose with her attack and the others follow her lead. "Golden...Star..Blast!"

Queen Andromeda watches as the enormous ball of energy barrels toward her. She raises her staff and deflects the attack with minor damage. The senshi all watch as their combined attack explodes, doing nothing but bring more light to the park.

Laughing, Queen Andromeda points her staff at Orion. "Oh that was a really nice try. I must commend you, but maybe you intended something like this?" A blast of energy leaves her staff and heads for Orion. Before she has a chance to dodge it, she is knocked into one of the massive trees.

The others watch as Orion's head slumps over her chest and the star senshi loses consciousness.

Andromeda smiles and walks boldly over to her limp body. The other senshi look at them. Sailor Moon is the first to break the tense silence. "We have to do something to help her."

Sailor Venus looks at her. "Like what? You saw what she just did with our attack."

Sailor Jupiter nods. "She deflected it like it was nothing."

Uranus looks at her friend. "Whatever we do, we'd better do it quickly. Or else, she'll kill her."

Sailor Moon nods. "I know." She closes her eyes and holds her hands out in front of her. "Moon Crisis Power!"

The other senshi look at her. "Sailor Moon, no! You can't use the crystal."

The leader of the senshi looks at them with determination. "Orion's been a surprise since she's gotten here. But I know that she fights on our side. I would never let an ally perish."

Sailor Uranus looks at her leader gratefully. "I'll support you."

Neptune nods. "I will too."

The other senshi all nod and walk over to her. All except one. Tuxedo Kamen turns to look at Sailor Venus. "What's wrong?"

"Why should we risk the life of our princess to help her?"

"Mina-chan! How could you think that way? She is a scout. Just like the rest of us."

"No, Sailor Moon. She's not like the rest of us. She's threatened us all. Don't forget. And she's tried to kill innocent people."

Sailor Uranus looks at the soldier of love. "She's not the only one to risk the lives of others. Or do you hate us too?"

Sailor Venus looks at the senshi of wind. "It's not our fight."

Sailor Moon looks at the two of them and then at Orion. Andromeda is about to lift the silent soldier from the ground. "JUST STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU!"

They stop their staring contest and turn to look at her. "We don't have time for this. Sailor Venus. Orion has suffered for her mission. More than any of us could ever imagine. I've talked to her and she's sorry for what she's had to do. I know why she tried to kill her sensei. And I understand no why she threatened us. These orbs...they're a part of something much bigger than you realize and if we let Queen Andromeda win here, then we all die. I don't want anyone's blood on my hands."

All of the senshi look at their leader and see the tears in her eyes. The face of the pretty soldier softens and she turns to Uranus. "I apologize. Sailor Moon, I'm with you too."

~*~*~*~*~

Sailor Orion's unconscious body rises into the air. When it is at arm level, Andromeda reaches her hand out to take the orbs. Before she can lay a finger on them, the star soldier disappears.

"Where in the world?" Andromeda looks around in surprise.

~*~*~*~*~

The purple senshi falls into Star Chaser's outstretched arms. He looks at Sailor Bellatrix. "Thank-you."

She dips her head respectfully. "Yes. But now we must wake her up."

Sailor Najid looks down at the scene below them. "We must do it quickly. Sailor Moon is preparing to use the Imperium Crystal."

Star Chaser nods.

~*~*~*~*~

She can only feel her strength returning. When she opens her eyes, she sees the Amazons and Star Chaser. Her first instinct is to reach for the orbs.

His gentle voice greets her ears. "You're safe now."

"Wha-what's going on?"

"Andromeda. It's time."

She looks at him. "I felt like I was on the verge of something. Everything was becoming brighter."

He looks at her. "Sailor Orion. Sailor Moon is about to use the Silver Crystal. Do you know what significance that has?"

She nods solemnly. "I have to stop her."

Najid and Bellatrix look at her. "You can do it." They help her to her feet.

Star Chaser looks at Bellatrix. "You can transport her back now." He looks at Orion. "Good luck. We're all counting on you."

"Thank-you."

He shakes his head. "I told you before. I'm here to help. Now go."

Bellatrix points her staff at Orion and says the command.

~*~*~*~*~

The planetary senshi are all watching as Andromeda stands there, waiting for them to make their first move. The scouts circle around their petit leader as she summons the crystal.

"Sailor Moon! Don't do it!"

Andromeda looks at the star soldier in anger. The senshi however, are relieved to see that she is alright. Sailor Moon answers her. "It's alright. I can end this."

"End this and your life." She looks at them. "How can you let her use the crystal?"

"It's alright, Sailor Orion. Trust me. I know what I'm doing."

She looks at the small senshi as she stands in the circle and closes her eyes. The other scouts join hands and say the attack. "Silver...Crystal..."

Queen Andromeda smiles. "Well, Orion. Is this how you thought it would turn out? All of your friends, your family, everyone you care about brought down to this single moment?"

Orion looks at the woman with contempt. "Shut-up."

"Look over there. You've lost. There they are, Orion. Your friends. All risking their lives and the life of their leader to save you and undue the darkness that was brought on simply because you can't remember how to do it yourself."

"I said shut-up!"

"I'll deal with you once I've taken care of them." Andromeda lifts her staff as the crystal's light springs forth, taking Sailor Moon's energy with it.

Sailor Orion watches as the soldiers combine their energy to further fuel their leader. Somewhere within her mind, she remembers this scene from long ago. She knows that if she does not intervene, everyone of them will die. She looks at them. 'All they wanted to do was help me. They've been as kind as they could since I came here. I can't let them die. I can't let my family die. I can't let Sirius and Pup down. They're all counting on me.'

Andromeda's staff unleashes a stream of dark energy and the night is brightened as the two energy forces battle one another.

Sailor Orion closes her eyes, willing herself to remember what she once knew. When she closes her eyes, her thoughts run over her time in Tokyo. The friends she has made there. She thinks of the trials she has gone through to get her hands on the orbs. Those stupid things. She sees the girl in her dreams that she knows now to be her.

~*~*~*~*~

The stars begin to glow. Weakly at first and then brighter as they break through the cover of darkness that Queen Andromeda has placed them under. The orbs around her waist begin to glow. They tear themselves out of the belt as their energy combines with her own.

The only witnesses to this battle stare in awe at the sight before them. Tuxedo Kamen, Star Chaser, and the Amazons all watch as the orbs take their place around Orion's head like a crown. The brown eyes suddenly snap open, only there is no sight in them. They shine with the brightness of the stars above.

Orion's gaze is cast upward into the sky and her hands rise above her head. She then points them towards the other Sailor Soldiers and speaks. "Andromeda...your evil has extended over galaxies. I won't allow you to cause any more destruction or end anymore innocent lives. Like a shooting star at the end of its life, so too will your life end."

Queen Andromeda's eyes widen at the sight before her, but she will not give in. She concentrates on her staff and continues to fight with the other Sailor Soldiers.

"These are my friends and I will not let you destroy them." She closes her eyes again and can feel the energy growing within her. Surging throughout her body. She points her arms to the crystal and when she opens her eyes, the energy rushes toward it.

Tuxedo Kamen watches as the energy goes through the crystal, making it shine brighter. Queen Andromeda is unable to withstand the reinforced blast and her body crumbles.

~*~*~*~*~

The attack is finished and the senshi watch as their leader is lowered to the ground, the crystal having done its job. Sailor Moon sinks to her knees and collapses.

Tuxedo Kamen and the others surround her. Star Chaser and the Amazons run out to see if everyone is alright.

"Sailor Moon...Sailor Moon, wake up. We've won." Sailor Mars kneels down next to her.

The orbs slowly lower themselves from Sailor Orion's head and land gently on the ground around her. Her eyes return to normal and she looks over to see Star Chaser coming toward her. "Orion, are you alright?"

She looks at him. "Where's Sailor Moon?"

The two of them reach the crowd and the other senshi all look at her. She kneels next to Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Mars. She reaches down to place a hand on Sailor Moon when she hears Sailor Venus. "Leave her alone."

Sailor Orion looks up to see Sailor Venus standing over her. "What?"

"Don't you think you've done enough? It's because of you that she's like this. She used the crystal because of you."

Sailor Orion looks at Sailor Moon's face. "She looks so peaceful."

Sailor Mars looks at them both. "Sailor Orion. She's...dead."

The star senshi shakes her head. "No she isn't. Not yet. Her energy has been drained, but she's still hanging on. If you let me, I'll try to revive her."

The green eyes of the thunderous senshi look at her. "Are you sure?"

The silent soldier nods. "Yes. Please stand back."

They look at her, but do as she asks. Star Chaser gives her a knowing glance. "Be careful."

She nods and places a hand on the crystal, closing her eyes. The orbs once again encircle her head as the others watch. The stars begins to illuminate the night once more. The soldiers look up as the sky is restored. Orion leans close to Sailor Moon and kisses her cheek. "Dream Restoration Sparkle."

The two pillars begin to glow together as the Sailor Orion restores the Sailor Moon. As their energy returns, the other senshi notice the night growing brighter, while the light slowly being cast off by the moon begins to increase.

Sailor Chibi-Moon looks at the two looks at the two senshi. She smiles to see her future mother's strength returning.

Sailor Mercury looks at them as well before casting her blue eyes to the sky. "The moon is becoming full."

~*~*~*~*~

The tiny leader opens her eyes and looks up to see Sailor Orion. "Sailor Orion...you-you're okay."

The purple head bobs up and down as she nods. "Yeah. We beat her. Everyone's going to be fine. How do you feel?"

"I feel alright. Not even tired."

The other senshi kneel next to her. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Mercury. I'm fine."

They turn to Sailor Orion. "How did you do it?"

She turns to Tuxedo Kamen with a smile and the answer to his question. "I restored her dream energy."

Sailor Jupiter is the next to speak. "But why do that? Her dream didn't die did it?"

Sailor Orion shakes her head. "No...but each time she uses the crystal, her dream for a better world is decreased a little as her purity and and hope are poured into the crystal. It always takes a toll on her which is why she is so weak afterward. What did you think it was that fueled the crystal?"

The scout of thunder thinks for a minute. "If that's the case, then why can't you use that to remember?"

Sailor Orion is quiet. She looks up at Sailor Jupiter from the ground. Her quiet voice is even softer as she speaks. "I can't. Miracles don't work that way. I have to find my way on my own."