Generation Lost, Part 3
Saturn Fades

By Taerir


AN: So, if you haven't noticed, this fanfic is more of an introspective piece than anything else. I don't really plan to refer to a whole lot of "next generation" stuff, because that's not really what I meant this piece for. To answer a question asked, I'm not sure yet whether I'll try the Sailor Cosmos approach or not. Since it won't happen until near the end, there's some time to decide. :)

Anyway, I'm still up in the air as to if I should keep working on this. Review to tell me your opinion on the matter if you'd like.

All Sailor Moon references are the property of their respective owners. I, Taerir, do claim the prose contained in this document, copyright 2003. No duplication is permitted without written permission from the author.


The sound of heeled boot upon stone floor echoed down walls of darkest, most impossible color of fluorite. Vibrations seemed to reflect from tall pillars of the same material, their tops as impossible to see as the tall ceiling.

Saturn, clad not in a senshi fuku but in a violet gown, stared straight ahead as if in a trance and continued to advance toward the front of the seemingly ominous temple. In reality, Saturn's state of enhanced awareness had simply led her thoughts elsewhere for the moment.

It had been two days ago that she'd heard the summons and somehow knew. It was time to say goodbye.

There hadn't actually been very many people Saturn had needed to visit. Most of the people she valued were either already dead or were senshi as well. Although all of the older senshi had lent a hand in training the younger generation to guard Serenity's daughter, Saturn did not have a direct successor. Her position was such that a successor could not be determined or trained, and one was not yet needed.

The princess had been another story, however. No matter what changes had occurred, Saturn had always remembered the girl not with any titles, but simply as her friend, ChibiUsa. In return, Saturn had always, even now, been Hotaru to the princess. Saturn minded not in the least; she'd enjoyed being treated as a human and not as some figurehead. In her heart, she knew that ChibiUsa had felt the same way.

It had, to say the least, been difficult for Saturn to break the news. ChibiUsa had eventually grown into an intelligent young woman, although occasionally some of the impulsiveness still showed itself. She'd been trying, Saturn could tell, to control her disappointment, but the sadness had still been apparent. In some ways, ChibiUsa was still very lonely, and she cherished the ties that were still left. Saturn had felt incredible guilt, looking into her old friend's eyes. It seemed somehow unfair that ChibiUsa would have to remain behind.

That, of all things, came the closest to making Saturn regret the necessary departure. But ChibiUsa still had a fate to fulfill, and Saturn's mortal fate was coming to an end. As harsh as Saturn was certain it would be on ChibiUsa, she also knew that the girl would survive. That strength was contained within the blood of the moon.

It would have been even harder to leave, Saturn mused, if she had not been aware that her fellow Outer Senshi would soon be leaving the world as well. Although she was unsure how it would happen, all of the senshi knew that it would happen. Saturn knew it, and so did the others. There could be no tears, no regrets. After a thousand years, this was simply fate all over again.

When Saturn had told them, Uranus had simply nodded in understanding. Neptune had quickly wiped a single renegade tear from her eye and smiled. Pluto had nodded as well, a sense of duty keeping her expression even despite her wistful eyes. Among them, no more words had been needed. So, with one last look behind her, Saturn had taken her leave of them and gone to approach destiny.

Now, she had finally arrived at the front of the temple. A formless, pulsating light of dark violet awaited her. She bowed her head momentarily before taking the final step toward it.

"It is time, senshi of Saturn," a deep voice said, arising from the center of the light.

"And so I have come," Saturn replied. "What is to become of me?"

"Your essence shall pass to a higher plane, and your power shall pass with it for now," the voice informed her. "The power you command is such that it must be reborn into the world at the proper time. It is not yet needed, but even the currents of fate cannot predict when it will return."

Saturn closed her eyes and bowed her head. "So be it." Her emotions wavered now, fluxuating between the urgent desire to leave mortality and hints of the call of loved ones.

Finally, though, duty won. Somehow knowing what to do, she left her eyes closed and removed the glove on her right hand, reaching the bare fingers toward the light. Upon contact, the light exploded in uncountable violet strands. A slow, enigmatic smile spread over Saturns features. Had there been spectators, they would have seen Saturn's body fade slowly, blending with the surrounding black.

She had finally gone home.