To answer a question for Eo;
This story is complete because before I had chapter's 18 and 19 separated from chapters 1-15 because all my stories were deleted for some reason off the site along with my reviews and I had to go hunting for people who had saved chaps until I found them all and was able to combine 1-27 with 18 and 19. Now the story is complete because all the chaps are in one place. Question answered ne? Good!
A Story to Remember
Chapter 20: Mirror
"Goku! Please slow down, you're going to choke!" Chi-Chi reprimanded, blushing furiously.
Goku glanced at her in confusion before shoveling more rice into his mouth. He smiled childishly and swallowed. "What's wrong?"
Rei sighed, ripped her napkin in half and placed it on both sides of her cheeks. On one side of her sat Goku and on the other was Gohan, "You guys could slow down just a bit."
Gohan smiled, embarrassed, "Shorry." He said around some steak.
Lita laughed, "Everyone's staring at us!"
Serena giggled, "Oh well. I suppose fancy restaurants aren't the place to bring Saiya-Jins!"
Vegeta rolled his eyes but kept his plate in front of him rather possessively.
Madison couldn't help but laugh at the antics of the people around her. Considering the fact that the Blue Star was a VERY expensive restaurant...they were making quite a scene. Madison watched, hiding her amusement carefully at the people around her. Chi-Chi yelling at her husband and son, Amara and Michelle exchanging warm glances, Lita, Mina, Ami, and Rei laughing with tears in their eyes...Watching Rini and Trunks fight over the plate of some strange looking pudding, while Hotaru watching them intrigued...
The Z-fighters carrying on and laughing, as though completely used to what was happening and Serena and Vegeta...side by side exchange secret glances every so often...
It was quite a show to say the least.
"Madison!" Bulma practically shouted, leaning forward to wave her hands in front of the young women's face.
"Oh. Please excuse me." Madison said softly, staring around the table. She felt a small squeeze on her left hand and turned to Mirai.
"Bulma wanted to know if you were ready for dessert." Mirai asked, smiling.
"Oh. Yes." Madison blushed faintly, adding slight color to her almost sickly pale cheeks.
"What?! Dessert? AlREADY?!?" Goku yelped.
Piccolo sighed and shifted in his chair, looking very uncomfortable and embarrassed. "You've already had over twelve courses Goku..."
Krillin grinned, "Yeah Goku, even Vegeta ate less than you."
"That's because he's occupied." Bulma said and winked at the Dark Prince and the Lunarian princess.
Serena blushed furiously and Vegeta glared at the blue-haired woman across from him.
"What are you saying?" He asked coldly.
"It's so obvious Vegeta." Bulma grinned secretively.
Mina giggled, smoothing her black velvet dress and adjusting her black velvet bow, "You two are and will be such a cute couple."
Serena flushed deeply, "Oh Mina."
Amara laughed, "Ok Ok, enough teasing now. The desserts are here."
"Yeah, dessert!!!"
"I want the chocolate cake!"
"I'll just have some ice cream."
"Trunks, you wanted the chocolate vanilla cream strawberry cake, I was the one who got the vanilla chocolate cream strawberry cake!"
"Sorry, OK!"
"Mmm, this looks so good."
"It must be very expensive to order all this food..."
"Oh don't worry! I'm covering EVERYTHING!!!"
"Remember...we can't stay very long." Hotaru said, taking a small spoonful of her dark chocolate ice cream.
"Hotaru's right." Tien said.
"Yeah..." Lita agreed.
"Come on you guys. We've had fun. We'll fight this guy and then we'll get on with our lives. It'll be easy." Rei said, smiling.
Ami caught her tone and smiled, "Right!"
"We already defeated the Four Warriors." Krillin said enthusiastically.
"That's right. All we have to do is stick together right?" Goku said before taking a big bite of ice cream cake.
Serena laughed and lifted her bowl of strawberry vanilla ice cream in a toast. Looking around the table to each face filled with hope and saw that all of them willing to fight with and for her.
"To victory?" She asked.
Mina grinned and raised her cake plate, followed by Tien and Chow-Tsu who lifted their glasses of mousse, then Rini and Trunks followed and soon everyone was giving a dessert toast, even Vegeta and Piccolo!
"TO VICTORY!"
************************************
TIME VOID: DEATH'S GARDEN
"I am sorry, My Queen, but I am forbidden to allow you to interfere." Pluto said softly, gripping her Garnet rod tightly.
She watched as Queen Serenity's mouth twisted in anger and then relaxed in defeat.
"Chronos has forbidden you?"
"Not just my father...But Morpheus and the Fates as well." Pluto replied.
Queen Sensou growled, her tail lashing, "I will not sit by and watch them go, not knowing what dangers await them."
Pluto eyes flashed coldly, "I cannot allow you to aid them. The line must be allowed to run its course."
"Even you do not know the outcome?" Serenity asked softly, placing a shadowy translucent hand on Sensou's shoulder, calming her.
Pluto smiled faintly, "That is not mine to say."
"Stop speaking in riddles!" Sensou growled.
Pluto glared, "Theirs is nothing more that I can say. I must return now to the Time Gates."
"Wait...Setsuna..." Queen Serenity said. "Please. Do not take offense. I know how hard it is to be the Guardian of the Gates. But you see we are here...in Death's garden...We watch over those who have died and are doomed to walk the rows of flowers that bind them until they can let go of whatever holds them to life. We have seen hatred and pain and suffering but most of all, these souls are bound by love. We love our children Setsuna and so Sensou and I stay here...to watch over them even though our husbands have moved on long ago."
The beautifully poignant queen folded her arms and leaned against one of the small gates between hedges, pale gray roses blooming across its lock. She wiped at the shadow of a tear.
"Understand our pain." Serenity pleaded.
Pluto stared at the faces of the two greatest Queens that had ever lived, their bodies shrouded in the wind of death...bound to this place by their love and anxiety. Suddenly she found herself smiling, a warm bright smile that chased away the shadows as she remembered a part poem Princess Serenity had once wrote...
And do we not hide in the veil of life?
Uncertain are we ever of ourselves.
But still we stand defiantly against the crags and jutting
Rocks of destiny
Chasing away our own fears.
We must stare into a cracked mirror
To face our souls.
Only then are we released into the arms
Of the waiting stars
Above and beyond all things...
"They will be fine...you will see...and then you will have no need to stay in this place anymore." Pluto said, her Garnet Orb flashing as she disappeared in a wave of light.
*******************************
DBZ DIMENSION
The last of the smoke cleared away and Bulma pocketed the capsules. The night air was cold and dry and cut through the warmest of jackets, however the 3rd quarter moon shone brightly without a cloud to hinder it.
"Are we ready?" Bulma asked.
After leaving the Blue Star, the guys had changed into their training outfits (compliments of Serena's disguise pen) and the Sailor Senshi had transformed. Now they stood in front of the entrance, above them in iron lace, the beautiful words Suta-Raito Park shone against the night.
"Yes. I can already feel the power...there's definitely something here." Luna said from Mercury's shoulder.
Artemis nodded, settling on Venus' shoulder.
Goku nodded, "A strong feeling...sort of pulling me."
Mercury took out her supercomputer and opened it, scanning the area. "Yes...A very high level...It appears to be some sort of vortex."
"Just like Mirai said." Gohan said softly.
"How far into the park?" Rini asked glancing at Trunks.
"Not far. I can lead you." Mercury said and began walking into the park.
"Sailor Moon!"
Serena stopped and turned to Mirai, "yes?"
"Are you afraid...Serena...?"
"Of course." She replied and smiled. "We better get going or we'll fall behind."
Mirai nodded and took Madison's hand, following the suited soldier into the park. The trees swayed in the frigid night air, the leaves casting shadows on the faces of the group.
"It's close." Mercury said, concentrating on her computer readings.
Vegeta closed his eyes and crossed his arms. He could sense the power and it was strong...an unnatural presence.
"There...it's over...there..." Mirai suddenly whispered. She pointed to a small oak tree, young and strong.
Mercury agreed, "Yes. There is some sort of vortex there...it's small...but with enough power we should be able to make it wider. Sailor moon, are you up to it?"
As the group moved closer to the young tree, the air fairly crackled with heat.
"Don't get too close." Bulma warned taking a few steps back.
Taking a deep breath, Serena turned to Mercury, "What do I have to do?"
"Well...you'll have to get closer...but we'll all be focusing our energy and power on you, Sailor Moon, you'll have to use the power we give you to force the rip open. And then...we'll umm...fall in..." Mercury said smiling an embarrassed sort of smile as she snapped her computer shut.
"Fall in?" Piccolo repeated.
"Um...yeah, basically."
"Oh Kami-sama." Yamucha muttered.
"Hey...I just thought of something. If we do force the rip open, what's the guarantee that it will close behind us? What if it keeps growing? What would happen?" Jupiter asked, wide eyed with worry.
"Don't worry." Saturn said, her face devoid of any and all fear.
"But how can you say..." Chi-Chi asked.
"It will be taken care of." Saturn said reassuringly. She walked up to Sailor Moon, switching her glaive to her left hand and taking the princess's hand in her right. "We must hurry."
"Saturn...Hotaru...how do you know?" Sailor Moon asked.
"Princess. We must hurry." Saturn said again, squeezing Serena's hand in comfort.
Nodded Serena began taking small steps towards the vortex, feeling it's tremendous energy pulling her, tugging at her very molecules until she could take no more steps, lest she be ripped apart.
Vegeta watched her intently, noting the fear in her eyes. He almost smiled at the way Saturn held her hand though until he saw that she was already pouring her energy into Serena. Slowly Goku stepped up, his aura blazing and pressed his hand against the one that Saturn was clutching her glaive with.
As Yamucha and Tien came forward to combine their powers, Serena began reaching out with her hand to the vortex.
"The vortex is getting wider." Neptune whispered.
Mercury turned to Chi-Chi, Mirai, Madison, and Bulma, "If you want to come, just grab someone's hand and hold on tightly. The wider the vortex becomes the stronger the suction."
The four women nodded and followed as close as they dared, grabbing any available hand. Chow-Tsu gripped Tien, Bulma to Yamucha, Jupiter to Krillin, Mars to Venus, Neptune to Uranus, Chi-Chi to Goku...they were a jumbled circle of power. But...they were all connected to Sailor Moon, her body glowing brightly as the vortex opened at her command.
**************************
THE DARK VOID
"WHAT?!?! WHAT ARE YOU TELLING ME?!" The Dark Lord shrieked, hurling his wine glass at the wall.
The young demon trembled with fear, her orange eyes were blurry with tears, "It's true, My Lord. There is a vortex in the dimension that leads back to this one."
Seething, the Dark Lord settled back into his throne, thinking hard.
'How can this be possible...HOW?' and suddenly it came to him and the Palace walls, built of negative energy, pulsed with his fury.
"THAT BITCH! THE GUARDIAN! IF I COULD KILL HER I WOULD!" The Dark Lord raged, smashing his fists on the melded silver stone of his throne.
The small bat demon nodded weakly, "May I take my leave, My Lord?"
The Dark Lord growled, "Get out before I kill you, Nokuta!"
The small "girl" jumped and ran out of the throne room, already spreading her wings.
'It will be too late to stop them... That bitch Pluto and her little accomplice will see to that...hmmm...'
And suddenly, his former idea returned to him, blossoming in his dark, cold mind. A small smile played on his lips and he relaxed in this throne, thinking deeply. With a wave of his hand a holographic image appeared. He smirked with amusement as he watched the Z-Senshi and Sailor Senshi pushing their power into Sailor Moon to open the vortex, not a one seemed apparent of the young woman's exhaustion.
Except...
The Dark Lord growled at the teen next to Sailor Moon. Her glaive, the mysterious black eyes, and the pale skin gave her away...Death. He also recognized the Saiya-Jin Prince. It was obvious from the way he looked at the Lady of the Cosmos...plus the way he was giving her his energy...totally concentrated on her...
'A lover?' The Dark Lord considered. His eyes flashed coldly. 'No, a Soul mate. He must be taken care of.'
He watched closely as their bodies became nothing but pure energy and they were pulled into the vortex. He knew it was only a matter of time before Sailor Pluto would appear to close it.
Sneering, he turned away and the image disappeared. He waved his hand once more and yet another wine glass appeared, filled with an opaque black liquid. He sipped it slowly, wondering what his associate would say.
'It will not take long.' He thought solemnly. 'The Lady will come to me...and I will have what I want.'
********************************
THE SM DIMENSION
SERENA'S POV
'Dark. Everything is so dark. I can't open my eyes I'm so afraid.'
Serena lay face down on the ground. Weak and exhausted, she could barely move and everything was quiet and cold. She felt light drops on her face and wasn't sure whether it was rain or snow. It felt like snow.
'I can't sit up...but I can open my eyes...'
With much effort, she was able to open her sore, feeble eyes, letting them adjust to the gray atmosphere. Somewhere...far off she heard voices, quiet but anxious. Her lips were cold, very cold. She tasted blood on the corner of her mouth were her lip had been gashed open.
'Am I home? Where is everyone? Am I still transformed?'
She felt her eyes starting to slip down again and the world around her was once again swallowed in darkness.
END SERENA'S POV
*************************
"Serena? Serena?"
With a moan Serena forced her eyes open once more and then immediately shut them, "Too bright." She mumbled softly.
"Good. You're finally awake." Trunks smiled. He sat in a large mahogany chair to the side of the bed. A large fire burned in the fireplace, warm and comforting.
"Where am I?"
"Amara and Michelle's mansion." Trunks replied. "Are you hungry?"
"What happened?"
"Long story. You really should eat." Trunks said, glancing at the bowl in his hands.
Groaning, Serena sat up in the large four-poster bed, shivering a bit despite the heat. She touched a hand to her mouth and realized the cut was now non-existent.
"We're home?"
"Yes. We're back in your own dimension. I haven't looked around yet, but it's nice enough. It's spring anyway." Trunks said, brushing some lavender locks away from his eyes.
"What's to eat?"
"Just some broth. Mina made it." Trunks said, smiling.
"Mina?!" Serena croaked, moving back a bit.
"Just kidding. Lita did." Trunks smiled a bit and blushed as he held out a spoonful of soup carefully. Serena grinned and leaned forward until she felt the spoon in her mouth and the warm liquid running down her throat.
"Where's everyone...else?" Serena asked between spoonfuls.
"I'm not sure of where everyone is. Bulma just put me in charge of you. I know some of the others got hurt though. Rini was." Trunks said softly, keeping the spoonfuls evenly paced.
Serena swallowed and blinked, "Rini was hurt? That's terrible! I should go see her."
"Not now!" Trunks blurted suddenly.
"What?"
Flushing Trunks stammered an answer, "I mean...you haven't finished eating."
Serena watched her future son carefully, "I'm not hungry anymore actually, but thank you. Why don't you tell me what happened, in the vortex I mean."
Trunks nodded and set the bowl down on the table near him, "I'm not really sure, it all happened so fast. It was like I felt my whole body just...change and I was a part of you, we all were. Then we were in the vortex and the force was crushing but we kept pushing through and we landed in a playground or something, but it was hard concrete, you know. We weren't sure what to do exactly. We were all sort of dazed. You guys weren't transformed when we got out of the vortex though."
Trunks shifted uncomfortably, "Some of the guys were knocked out. Hotaru broke an arm and Rini some ribs. I guess their ok, but we're all pretty tired from that energy drain."
"Vegeta?"
"He's fine." Trunks said, smirking.
"Anyway, Amara suggested we go to her mansion and here we are. That's pretty much it."
"The Dark Lord?"
"No sign yet, but Ami's already working on it with Bulma. I guess Bulma put her supercomputer from her lab in a capsule." Trunks couldn't help but laugh at that thought.
Serena smiled at the young teen and motioned to him to come closer. Trunks stood and moved closer, obeying his future mother.
"Every time I see you, I wonder about the future, you know Trunks. You are my son. MY SON. It's amazing." Serena said, watching him with wonder apparent in her crystal blue eyes.
Trunks blushed furiously, "T-thank you."
"Help me up?" Serena asked.
Trunks nodded and without so much as a grunt lifted her out of the bed, high, and set her down.
"Well, you certainly get your strength from Vegeta. Is Rini like that?"
Trunks concurred. Serena noticed the way his mouth would tighten a bit whenever she mentioned Rini or Vegeta.
"Trunks...what is it?"
"What?"
"There's something wrong."
"No."
Serena smiled at him in a way that said she knew there WAS something wrong. She drew herself up to her full height so that she stood about a head shorter than Trunks and looked up into his eyes, "Tell me, my son."
He flinched, "There's nothing wrong."
Serena thought for a moment, "Are you jealous of your sister? If you are.."
"I'm NOT jealous!" Trunks growled, glaring down into Serena's eyes.
"Oh come on, Trunks. You should know you can't fool me." Serena grinned, but wobbled unsteadily, feeling her dizziness returning.
Trunks placed his hands on Serena's shoulders to steady her, "Serena...I'm not jealous of Rini...It's just that being here, in the past, it makes me wonder how my life, in the future, would have been if the Dark Lord hadn't reappeared... Maybe...my mother and father wouldn't fight all the time...maybe they'd be home more often...maybe I could spend as much time with my mother as I do with you now..."
Serena stared at her future son intently, watching his soft, blue eyes tear up as he swallowed thickly.
"Oh Trunks." Serena whispered, hugging her son tightly. She tried to speak but she suddenly felt a strong wave of nausea overcome her and her knees give out. Thankfully, Trunks had a good grip on her and she steadied herself against him, putting all her weight on him.
"You're still not well. I should go get Hotaru." Trunks said.
"That won't be necessary." A cold voice echoed through the room.
Trunks almost dropped Serena, "Father."
In the darkened doorway stood Vegeta, Hotaru at his side. She smiled mischievously at him. Serena smiled weakly back and squeezed Trunks' arm lightly to get him to focus on her.
"Hmm?"
"Put me back on the bed, please?"
Trunks nodded and carried her back to the bed, aware of his future father's gaze boring holes into his back. While Vegeta strode into the room, however, Hotaru stepped lightly, humming a faint tune.
Once at Serena's bedside, Hotaru placed her hands on Serena's head and sighed gently as the familiar violet aura surrounded her hands. Trunks watched intently, but hung back, afraid his father would say something to him.
"You'll be alright now, Princess." Hotaru said smiling. Before Serena could utter a word of thanks she whipped around and grabbed Trunks, "We'll just be going now."
"W-wha?" Trunks yelped in confusion just as he was pulled out the door.
Sitting up in her bed now Serena giggled, "Hotaru, you amaze me."
Vegeta grunted and walked over to Serena's bed and sat down in the mahogany chair that Trunks had once occupied. Serena watched him carefully.
"Trunks is afraid of you." Serena said, twisting the sheets in her hands.
"I've noticed." Vegeta smirked.
"And it doesn't bother you at all?" Serena asked incredulously.
Vegeta shrugged.
"How can you think that?" Serena asked utterly perplexed.
"........."
"Oh Vegeta." Serena sighed, and reached out for him, "Trunks looks up to you so much, even here in the past, he loves you. Can't you see that?"
Vegeta stared at her, bewildered.
"Oh Vegeta, I suppose I have much to teach you."
"You? Teach me?!" Vegeta straightened, offended.
"Why not?" She asked crossing her arms.
"What could YOU possibly teach me?"
"Oh I don't know...Besides what I've already taught you about loving someone...I could teach you to respect the feelings of your children whether they are male or female, disregarding pride." Serena said hotly.
Vegeta thought on this and smirked, "I doubt it Woman. To be a Saiya-Jin is to be proud."
Serena pulled back the covers of her bed and got out, moving to sit on Vegeta's lap. "Your pride can get you into trouble."
Vegeta ran a hand through her soft hair, smirking, "Maybe."
Serena sighed, "Promise me you'll be nicer to Trunks, Vegeta. Ok?"
"Humph."
"Come on Vege-chan, I'm asking nicely." Serena stared into his eyes, pleading.
"I'll think on it."
"That's good enough. For now, Vegeta-sama."
****************************
DARK VOID
"It has been confirmed. They are back in this dimension." The Dark Lord said, not bothering to hide his irritation from his associate.
"Your incompetence is the cause of this." The dark-haired man said finally. Even though his body was a holographic projection, it was easy to see the dark power radiating from his being.
The Dark Lord glared, "It will be rectified shortly. I have the perfect plan, quick. It can even be carried out tonight." He smiled cruelly.
"Is that so?"
With a wave of the Dark Lord's hand, a large mirror appeared and the picture of a young woman was depicted, "This is the one we will use."
He watched in satisfaction as his associate stared at the mirror, "Such a pretty thing." The dark-haired man said, finally smirking.
"Her mind is weak and she is frightened, she will be perfect for what I have in mind." The Dark Lord voiced. "I will not fail again."
"You had better not." The man countered before the image flickered and disappeared.
The Dark Lord sat back, enjoying the workings of his negative mind. 'I will have you dear Lady of the Cosmos, you shall be my toy, my servant...My consort. Then I will wipe your foolish friends off the face of the Earth!'
"Akki! Come forth, I have a job for you." The Dark Lord said, smiling evilly.
"I hear, Master." A hard, grating voice replied from the darkest corner of the throne room, "and as always, I obey......'
***********************************
SM DIMENSION
"Naru!" Serena yelled and ran to hug her friend, nearly knocking her back out of the doorway.
"Usa! I'm so glad to see you! I went to Rei's shrine and she told me you were here. Have you been here the whole time or did you go somewhere?"
"So many questions Naru. Come in first!" Serena grinned, tugging her friend towards the living room.
"I've missed you more than you could know, but I had to get away." Serena said, plopping down in a plush couch next to Michelle, who was inspecting her violin bow.
"Hello Naru." Michelle said, never taking her eyes away from the bow.
Naru smiled at her and then sat down next to Serena, moving to whisper in her ear, "Did you leave...because of Darien?"
Serena's eyes widened, "What?!"
Naru's eyes saddened, "Is it because of...you know?"
"What are you talking about Naru?" Serena said slowly, turning to look at her friend.
Naru whispered even quieter, "Darien's death of course. Serena I'm so sorry. I figured that's why you left."
"D-DEATH?!?! Darien's...D-D-D-EAD?!?!?" Serena gasped, almost choking on the words.
Michelle went right on cleaning and inspecting her bow...but her eyes flashed with suspicion. Swiftly she stood and walked out of the room, flashing Serena and Naru a bright smile before disappearing out the door.
Naru turned back to her friend and gave her a strange look, "You...didn't know?"
"No! Even the others don't know." Serena said, disbelief still apparent in her eyes.
"Oh Serena, I'm so sorry. I thought...you knew." Naru's eyes filled with tears and she hugged Serena tightly, her long auburn hair tumbling over her shoulders.
Serena just sat and let Naru hug her tightly. Something was wrong, very wrong with what she had heard. Her face became paler and paler until finally she mumbled something to Naru and pushed her away, running to the bathroom to throw up.
******************************
Naru waved uncertainly as the door clicked shut in front of her. Turning, she hurried through the evening as the dark rain clouds rushed through the sky, complemented by occasional streaks of lightening. She ran through the shadows until she came to a dark alleyway.
Taking a deep breath she slipped through the narrow opening and sat down, settling into the dark. She smiled happily and suddenly her features changed. Her hair crimped and changed color, becoming short and ash gray. Her eyes flashed green for a moment and then burned turned red-brown and her skin seemed to tear in some places and fold, wrinkling and sagging to become shadowy and translucent.
The darkness seemed to swallow Akki up and he pushed through the portal back into the Dark Void.
"Maaaster......The trap has been set...for I hear...and as always I obey......"
**********************************************
LATER THAT EVENING
"Are you sure you heard right?" Amara said carefully.
"I am sure." Michelle said softly. She leaned carefully against the glass of the aquarium, her long hair flowing around her shoulders.
"And the princess?"
"She hasn't been out of her room in three hours. She has refused everyone except Vegeta. I believe she telling him about her past history with Darian." Hotaru said, walking into the large room.
"Hotaru! You startled me." Michelle said, looking away from Amara.
Hotaru smoothed her dark purple miniskirt and smiled, "She will be fine."
"Hotaru......What do you know?" Amara said suddenly, having studied the young teen's face.
"Why would I know anything? I know nothing of the future, that's Mirai's specialty." Hotaru said softly, walking towards her parents.
Michelle stared at her, "Hotaru, you do know something don't you?"
"Hota-chan, did you know Darian was dead?" Amara said bluntly.
Hotaru blinked and then laughed, so hard that she began wiping tears from her eyes. Her eyes flashed dangerously, "I did -NOT- know actually."
Amara eyed her carefully again, "Hotaru?"
Hotaru glared again and then looked away, "I won't stand here just to be accused by my own family." She whirled around and walked proudly out of the aquarium.
****************************
'They believe Darian is dead.' Hotaru thought, careful not to move at all. Whenever she spoke mentally with Pluto, much of her energy was depleted and moving just made it worse.
'Hmm...The Dark Lord is cunning; I'll give him that. But we are, as we always will be, one step ahead.' Pluto replied with her thoughts.
Hotaru thought she could hear Pluto smiling.
'Hotaru.'
'Yes.'
'Have they told the others yet?'
'Not that I'm aware of.'
'So only the Princess, you, Michelle and Amara know, correct?'
'Yes.'
'Perfect.'
'Pluto...what about Mirai?'
'She has her own part to play......'
*****************************
A mind is a terrible thing to waste...especially if it's your mind. Mirai grinned at herself in the mirror.
'Crazy. I'm going to go crazy from these fucked up visions.'
Was it true? Maybe. Did she know? Nope. Did she care? A little.
'I'm not even who I was just a months ago. I mean I was never really ecstatic about my life, but now, with all these crazy things happening...I'm starting to miss when I only had a few visions a week...some feelings now and then...'
But it was showing. Her once ragged, shorn haircut was now even and long. Her dark brown hair swept down, sweetly over her shoulder. She probably would look pretty, maybe even beautiful.
But now she had changed. She had lost much of her muscular track star image, appearing more delicate, though she was still exceedingly strong. Her eyes, large and brown, were tired and sad, always. Her skin had gotten strangely paler, almost less Hotaru's color. She slept sometimes so the dark circles were mere shadows under eyes but now she slept too much, choosing to fly into oblivion than to stay awake and feel the sharp stabbing visions of pain and blood.
'Crazy. Crazy with everything and yet hopeful.' Mirai thought, staring at herself in the mirror.
When she changed so much? Mirai couldn't remember. But she would look into the mirror and those sad eyes wouldn't seem like hers...they would seem like someone else's. Some being that was heartbreakingly powerful and ancient.
'But I'm me, right? Because...if I'm not...who...am...I?'
And suddenly it seemed like her whole body was aching. Everything was dizzyingly bright and loud, the decibel level burning her ears.
Pain...it was everywhere, lacing the atmosphere in red. Mirai saw, without seeing, her vision. Crying...crying...and shouts.
Serena
Vegeta
Hotaru
Trunks
Rini
Bulma
Chi-Chi
Voices...everywhere, yelling pointing screaming...And her hair so long...her eyes so...blue? No...no...no...
'I DON'T ACCEPT THIS!' Mirai screamed to herself. And then...as quick as it had come the vision ended.
Mirai was alone in the bathroom, leaning against the side tub where she had fallen. Her vision was blurry and rippling, but she could see the red smears clearly.
'I must have hit my head somewhere.'
Then...as clear as crystal...a voice whispered deep in her mind, an unfamiliar voice and yet...it was.
'You may shun your powers, but you cannot reject your name, Mirai.'
And Mirai stood, slowly, carefully. She stood and faced the mirror and for just a moment she thought she could see it. Herself. Truly. Fated to be fate...to take the future into her palm and guide it in a way Time could not. She could see her aura burn magenta and her eyes blaze misty cerulean. Adore her long, ground-length brown hair...
Of course, the light can play tricks on a person's eyes, especially when seeking truth in a mirror.....................
LoNe StAr in an OcEaN SkY
This story is complete because before I had chapter's 18 and 19 separated from chapters 1-15 because all my stories were deleted for some reason off the site along with my reviews and I had to go hunting for people who had saved chaps until I found them all and was able to combine 1-27 with 18 and 19. Now the story is complete because all the chaps are in one place. Question answered ne? Good!
A Story to Remember
Chapter 20: Mirror
"Goku! Please slow down, you're going to choke!" Chi-Chi reprimanded, blushing furiously.
Goku glanced at her in confusion before shoveling more rice into his mouth. He smiled childishly and swallowed. "What's wrong?"
Rei sighed, ripped her napkin in half and placed it on both sides of her cheeks. On one side of her sat Goku and on the other was Gohan, "You guys could slow down just a bit."
Gohan smiled, embarrassed, "Shorry." He said around some steak.
Lita laughed, "Everyone's staring at us!"
Serena giggled, "Oh well. I suppose fancy restaurants aren't the place to bring Saiya-Jins!"
Vegeta rolled his eyes but kept his plate in front of him rather possessively.
Madison couldn't help but laugh at the antics of the people around her. Considering the fact that the Blue Star was a VERY expensive restaurant...they were making quite a scene. Madison watched, hiding her amusement carefully at the people around her. Chi-Chi yelling at her husband and son, Amara and Michelle exchanging warm glances, Lita, Mina, Ami, and Rei laughing with tears in their eyes...Watching Rini and Trunks fight over the plate of some strange looking pudding, while Hotaru watching them intrigued...
The Z-fighters carrying on and laughing, as though completely used to what was happening and Serena and Vegeta...side by side exchange secret glances every so often...
It was quite a show to say the least.
"Madison!" Bulma practically shouted, leaning forward to wave her hands in front of the young women's face.
"Oh. Please excuse me." Madison said softly, staring around the table. She felt a small squeeze on her left hand and turned to Mirai.
"Bulma wanted to know if you were ready for dessert." Mirai asked, smiling.
"Oh. Yes." Madison blushed faintly, adding slight color to her almost sickly pale cheeks.
"What?! Dessert? AlREADY?!?" Goku yelped.
Piccolo sighed and shifted in his chair, looking very uncomfortable and embarrassed. "You've already had over twelve courses Goku..."
Krillin grinned, "Yeah Goku, even Vegeta ate less than you."
"That's because he's occupied." Bulma said and winked at the Dark Prince and the Lunarian princess.
Serena blushed furiously and Vegeta glared at the blue-haired woman across from him.
"What are you saying?" He asked coldly.
"It's so obvious Vegeta." Bulma grinned secretively.
Mina giggled, smoothing her black velvet dress and adjusting her black velvet bow, "You two are and will be such a cute couple."
Serena flushed deeply, "Oh Mina."
Amara laughed, "Ok Ok, enough teasing now. The desserts are here."
"Yeah, dessert!!!"
"I want the chocolate cake!"
"I'll just have some ice cream."
"Trunks, you wanted the chocolate vanilla cream strawberry cake, I was the one who got the vanilla chocolate cream strawberry cake!"
"Sorry, OK!"
"Mmm, this looks so good."
"It must be very expensive to order all this food..."
"Oh don't worry! I'm covering EVERYTHING!!!"
"Remember...we can't stay very long." Hotaru said, taking a small spoonful of her dark chocolate ice cream.
"Hotaru's right." Tien said.
"Yeah..." Lita agreed.
"Come on you guys. We've had fun. We'll fight this guy and then we'll get on with our lives. It'll be easy." Rei said, smiling.
Ami caught her tone and smiled, "Right!"
"We already defeated the Four Warriors." Krillin said enthusiastically.
"That's right. All we have to do is stick together right?" Goku said before taking a big bite of ice cream cake.
Serena laughed and lifted her bowl of strawberry vanilla ice cream in a toast. Looking around the table to each face filled with hope and saw that all of them willing to fight with and for her.
"To victory?" She asked.
Mina grinned and raised her cake plate, followed by Tien and Chow-Tsu who lifted their glasses of mousse, then Rini and Trunks followed and soon everyone was giving a dessert toast, even Vegeta and Piccolo!
"TO VICTORY!"
************************************
TIME VOID: DEATH'S GARDEN
"I am sorry, My Queen, but I am forbidden to allow you to interfere." Pluto said softly, gripping her Garnet rod tightly.
She watched as Queen Serenity's mouth twisted in anger and then relaxed in defeat.
"Chronos has forbidden you?"
"Not just my father...But Morpheus and the Fates as well." Pluto replied.
Queen Sensou growled, her tail lashing, "I will not sit by and watch them go, not knowing what dangers await them."
Pluto eyes flashed coldly, "I cannot allow you to aid them. The line must be allowed to run its course."
"Even you do not know the outcome?" Serenity asked softly, placing a shadowy translucent hand on Sensou's shoulder, calming her.
Pluto smiled faintly, "That is not mine to say."
"Stop speaking in riddles!" Sensou growled.
Pluto glared, "Theirs is nothing more that I can say. I must return now to the Time Gates."
"Wait...Setsuna..." Queen Serenity said. "Please. Do not take offense. I know how hard it is to be the Guardian of the Gates. But you see we are here...in Death's garden...We watch over those who have died and are doomed to walk the rows of flowers that bind them until they can let go of whatever holds them to life. We have seen hatred and pain and suffering but most of all, these souls are bound by love. We love our children Setsuna and so Sensou and I stay here...to watch over them even though our husbands have moved on long ago."
The beautifully poignant queen folded her arms and leaned against one of the small gates between hedges, pale gray roses blooming across its lock. She wiped at the shadow of a tear.
"Understand our pain." Serenity pleaded.
Pluto stared at the faces of the two greatest Queens that had ever lived, their bodies shrouded in the wind of death...bound to this place by their love and anxiety. Suddenly she found herself smiling, a warm bright smile that chased away the shadows as she remembered a part poem Princess Serenity had once wrote...
And do we not hide in the veil of life?
Uncertain are we ever of ourselves.
But still we stand defiantly against the crags and jutting
Rocks of destiny
Chasing away our own fears.
We must stare into a cracked mirror
To face our souls.
Only then are we released into the arms
Of the waiting stars
Above and beyond all things...
"They will be fine...you will see...and then you will have no need to stay in this place anymore." Pluto said, her Garnet Orb flashing as she disappeared in a wave of light.
*******************************
DBZ DIMENSION
The last of the smoke cleared away and Bulma pocketed the capsules. The night air was cold and dry and cut through the warmest of jackets, however the 3rd quarter moon shone brightly without a cloud to hinder it.
"Are we ready?" Bulma asked.
After leaving the Blue Star, the guys had changed into their training outfits (compliments of Serena's disguise pen) and the Sailor Senshi had transformed. Now they stood in front of the entrance, above them in iron lace, the beautiful words Suta-Raito Park shone against the night.
"Yes. I can already feel the power...there's definitely something here." Luna said from Mercury's shoulder.
Artemis nodded, settling on Venus' shoulder.
Goku nodded, "A strong feeling...sort of pulling me."
Mercury took out her supercomputer and opened it, scanning the area. "Yes...A very high level...It appears to be some sort of vortex."
"Just like Mirai said." Gohan said softly.
"How far into the park?" Rini asked glancing at Trunks.
"Not far. I can lead you." Mercury said and began walking into the park.
"Sailor Moon!"
Serena stopped and turned to Mirai, "yes?"
"Are you afraid...Serena...?"
"Of course." She replied and smiled. "We better get going or we'll fall behind."
Mirai nodded and took Madison's hand, following the suited soldier into the park. The trees swayed in the frigid night air, the leaves casting shadows on the faces of the group.
"It's close." Mercury said, concentrating on her computer readings.
Vegeta closed his eyes and crossed his arms. He could sense the power and it was strong...an unnatural presence.
"There...it's over...there..." Mirai suddenly whispered. She pointed to a small oak tree, young and strong.
Mercury agreed, "Yes. There is some sort of vortex there...it's small...but with enough power we should be able to make it wider. Sailor moon, are you up to it?"
As the group moved closer to the young tree, the air fairly crackled with heat.
"Don't get too close." Bulma warned taking a few steps back.
Taking a deep breath, Serena turned to Mercury, "What do I have to do?"
"Well...you'll have to get closer...but we'll all be focusing our energy and power on you, Sailor Moon, you'll have to use the power we give you to force the rip open. And then...we'll umm...fall in..." Mercury said smiling an embarrassed sort of smile as she snapped her computer shut.
"Fall in?" Piccolo repeated.
"Um...yeah, basically."
"Oh Kami-sama." Yamucha muttered.
"Hey...I just thought of something. If we do force the rip open, what's the guarantee that it will close behind us? What if it keeps growing? What would happen?" Jupiter asked, wide eyed with worry.
"Don't worry." Saturn said, her face devoid of any and all fear.
"But how can you say..." Chi-Chi asked.
"It will be taken care of." Saturn said reassuringly. She walked up to Sailor Moon, switching her glaive to her left hand and taking the princess's hand in her right. "We must hurry."
"Saturn...Hotaru...how do you know?" Sailor Moon asked.
"Princess. We must hurry." Saturn said again, squeezing Serena's hand in comfort.
Nodded Serena began taking small steps towards the vortex, feeling it's tremendous energy pulling her, tugging at her very molecules until she could take no more steps, lest she be ripped apart.
Vegeta watched her intently, noting the fear in her eyes. He almost smiled at the way Saturn held her hand though until he saw that she was already pouring her energy into Serena. Slowly Goku stepped up, his aura blazing and pressed his hand against the one that Saturn was clutching her glaive with.
As Yamucha and Tien came forward to combine their powers, Serena began reaching out with her hand to the vortex.
"The vortex is getting wider." Neptune whispered.
Mercury turned to Chi-Chi, Mirai, Madison, and Bulma, "If you want to come, just grab someone's hand and hold on tightly. The wider the vortex becomes the stronger the suction."
The four women nodded and followed as close as they dared, grabbing any available hand. Chow-Tsu gripped Tien, Bulma to Yamucha, Jupiter to Krillin, Mars to Venus, Neptune to Uranus, Chi-Chi to Goku...they were a jumbled circle of power. But...they were all connected to Sailor Moon, her body glowing brightly as the vortex opened at her command.
**************************
THE DARK VOID
"WHAT?!?! WHAT ARE YOU TELLING ME?!" The Dark Lord shrieked, hurling his wine glass at the wall.
The young demon trembled with fear, her orange eyes were blurry with tears, "It's true, My Lord. There is a vortex in the dimension that leads back to this one."
Seething, the Dark Lord settled back into his throne, thinking hard.
'How can this be possible...HOW?' and suddenly it came to him and the Palace walls, built of negative energy, pulsed with his fury.
"THAT BITCH! THE GUARDIAN! IF I COULD KILL HER I WOULD!" The Dark Lord raged, smashing his fists on the melded silver stone of his throne.
The small bat demon nodded weakly, "May I take my leave, My Lord?"
The Dark Lord growled, "Get out before I kill you, Nokuta!"
The small "girl" jumped and ran out of the throne room, already spreading her wings.
'It will be too late to stop them... That bitch Pluto and her little accomplice will see to that...hmmm...'
And suddenly, his former idea returned to him, blossoming in his dark, cold mind. A small smile played on his lips and he relaxed in this throne, thinking deeply. With a wave of his hand a holographic image appeared. He smirked with amusement as he watched the Z-Senshi and Sailor Senshi pushing their power into Sailor Moon to open the vortex, not a one seemed apparent of the young woman's exhaustion.
Except...
The Dark Lord growled at the teen next to Sailor Moon. Her glaive, the mysterious black eyes, and the pale skin gave her away...Death. He also recognized the Saiya-Jin Prince. It was obvious from the way he looked at the Lady of the Cosmos...plus the way he was giving her his energy...totally concentrated on her...
'A lover?' The Dark Lord considered. His eyes flashed coldly. 'No, a Soul mate. He must be taken care of.'
He watched closely as their bodies became nothing but pure energy and they were pulled into the vortex. He knew it was only a matter of time before Sailor Pluto would appear to close it.
Sneering, he turned away and the image disappeared. He waved his hand once more and yet another wine glass appeared, filled with an opaque black liquid. He sipped it slowly, wondering what his associate would say.
'It will not take long.' He thought solemnly. 'The Lady will come to me...and I will have what I want.'
********************************
THE SM DIMENSION
SERENA'S POV
'Dark. Everything is so dark. I can't open my eyes I'm so afraid.'
Serena lay face down on the ground. Weak and exhausted, she could barely move and everything was quiet and cold. She felt light drops on her face and wasn't sure whether it was rain or snow. It felt like snow.
'I can't sit up...but I can open my eyes...'
With much effort, she was able to open her sore, feeble eyes, letting them adjust to the gray atmosphere. Somewhere...far off she heard voices, quiet but anxious. Her lips were cold, very cold. She tasted blood on the corner of her mouth were her lip had been gashed open.
'Am I home? Where is everyone? Am I still transformed?'
She felt her eyes starting to slip down again and the world around her was once again swallowed in darkness.
END SERENA'S POV
*************************
"Serena? Serena?"
With a moan Serena forced her eyes open once more and then immediately shut them, "Too bright." She mumbled softly.
"Good. You're finally awake." Trunks smiled. He sat in a large mahogany chair to the side of the bed. A large fire burned in the fireplace, warm and comforting.
"Where am I?"
"Amara and Michelle's mansion." Trunks replied. "Are you hungry?"
"What happened?"
"Long story. You really should eat." Trunks said, glancing at the bowl in his hands.
Groaning, Serena sat up in the large four-poster bed, shivering a bit despite the heat. She touched a hand to her mouth and realized the cut was now non-existent.
"We're home?"
"Yes. We're back in your own dimension. I haven't looked around yet, but it's nice enough. It's spring anyway." Trunks said, brushing some lavender locks away from his eyes.
"What's to eat?"
"Just some broth. Mina made it." Trunks said, smiling.
"Mina?!" Serena croaked, moving back a bit.
"Just kidding. Lita did." Trunks smiled a bit and blushed as he held out a spoonful of soup carefully. Serena grinned and leaned forward until she felt the spoon in her mouth and the warm liquid running down her throat.
"Where's everyone...else?" Serena asked between spoonfuls.
"I'm not sure of where everyone is. Bulma just put me in charge of you. I know some of the others got hurt though. Rini was." Trunks said softly, keeping the spoonfuls evenly paced.
Serena swallowed and blinked, "Rini was hurt? That's terrible! I should go see her."
"Not now!" Trunks blurted suddenly.
"What?"
Flushing Trunks stammered an answer, "I mean...you haven't finished eating."
Serena watched her future son carefully, "I'm not hungry anymore actually, but thank you. Why don't you tell me what happened, in the vortex I mean."
Trunks nodded and set the bowl down on the table near him, "I'm not really sure, it all happened so fast. It was like I felt my whole body just...change and I was a part of you, we all were. Then we were in the vortex and the force was crushing but we kept pushing through and we landed in a playground or something, but it was hard concrete, you know. We weren't sure what to do exactly. We were all sort of dazed. You guys weren't transformed when we got out of the vortex though."
Trunks shifted uncomfortably, "Some of the guys were knocked out. Hotaru broke an arm and Rini some ribs. I guess their ok, but we're all pretty tired from that energy drain."
"Vegeta?"
"He's fine." Trunks said, smirking.
"Anyway, Amara suggested we go to her mansion and here we are. That's pretty much it."
"The Dark Lord?"
"No sign yet, but Ami's already working on it with Bulma. I guess Bulma put her supercomputer from her lab in a capsule." Trunks couldn't help but laugh at that thought.
Serena smiled at the young teen and motioned to him to come closer. Trunks stood and moved closer, obeying his future mother.
"Every time I see you, I wonder about the future, you know Trunks. You are my son. MY SON. It's amazing." Serena said, watching him with wonder apparent in her crystal blue eyes.
Trunks blushed furiously, "T-thank you."
"Help me up?" Serena asked.
Trunks nodded and without so much as a grunt lifted her out of the bed, high, and set her down.
"Well, you certainly get your strength from Vegeta. Is Rini like that?"
Trunks concurred. Serena noticed the way his mouth would tighten a bit whenever she mentioned Rini or Vegeta.
"Trunks...what is it?"
"What?"
"There's something wrong."
"No."
Serena smiled at him in a way that said she knew there WAS something wrong. She drew herself up to her full height so that she stood about a head shorter than Trunks and looked up into his eyes, "Tell me, my son."
He flinched, "There's nothing wrong."
Serena thought for a moment, "Are you jealous of your sister? If you are.."
"I'm NOT jealous!" Trunks growled, glaring down into Serena's eyes.
"Oh come on, Trunks. You should know you can't fool me." Serena grinned, but wobbled unsteadily, feeling her dizziness returning.
Trunks placed his hands on Serena's shoulders to steady her, "Serena...I'm not jealous of Rini...It's just that being here, in the past, it makes me wonder how my life, in the future, would have been if the Dark Lord hadn't reappeared... Maybe...my mother and father wouldn't fight all the time...maybe they'd be home more often...maybe I could spend as much time with my mother as I do with you now..."
Serena stared at her future son intently, watching his soft, blue eyes tear up as he swallowed thickly.
"Oh Trunks." Serena whispered, hugging her son tightly. She tried to speak but she suddenly felt a strong wave of nausea overcome her and her knees give out. Thankfully, Trunks had a good grip on her and she steadied herself against him, putting all her weight on him.
"You're still not well. I should go get Hotaru." Trunks said.
"That won't be necessary." A cold voice echoed through the room.
Trunks almost dropped Serena, "Father."
In the darkened doorway stood Vegeta, Hotaru at his side. She smiled mischievously at him. Serena smiled weakly back and squeezed Trunks' arm lightly to get him to focus on her.
"Hmm?"
"Put me back on the bed, please?"
Trunks nodded and carried her back to the bed, aware of his future father's gaze boring holes into his back. While Vegeta strode into the room, however, Hotaru stepped lightly, humming a faint tune.
Once at Serena's bedside, Hotaru placed her hands on Serena's head and sighed gently as the familiar violet aura surrounded her hands. Trunks watched intently, but hung back, afraid his father would say something to him.
"You'll be alright now, Princess." Hotaru said smiling. Before Serena could utter a word of thanks she whipped around and grabbed Trunks, "We'll just be going now."
"W-wha?" Trunks yelped in confusion just as he was pulled out the door.
Sitting up in her bed now Serena giggled, "Hotaru, you amaze me."
Vegeta grunted and walked over to Serena's bed and sat down in the mahogany chair that Trunks had once occupied. Serena watched him carefully.
"Trunks is afraid of you." Serena said, twisting the sheets in her hands.
"I've noticed." Vegeta smirked.
"And it doesn't bother you at all?" Serena asked incredulously.
Vegeta shrugged.
"How can you think that?" Serena asked utterly perplexed.
"........."
"Oh Vegeta." Serena sighed, and reached out for him, "Trunks looks up to you so much, even here in the past, he loves you. Can't you see that?"
Vegeta stared at her, bewildered.
"Oh Vegeta, I suppose I have much to teach you."
"You? Teach me?!" Vegeta straightened, offended.
"Why not?" She asked crossing her arms.
"What could YOU possibly teach me?"
"Oh I don't know...Besides what I've already taught you about loving someone...I could teach you to respect the feelings of your children whether they are male or female, disregarding pride." Serena said hotly.
Vegeta thought on this and smirked, "I doubt it Woman. To be a Saiya-Jin is to be proud."
Serena pulled back the covers of her bed and got out, moving to sit on Vegeta's lap. "Your pride can get you into trouble."
Vegeta ran a hand through her soft hair, smirking, "Maybe."
Serena sighed, "Promise me you'll be nicer to Trunks, Vegeta. Ok?"
"Humph."
"Come on Vege-chan, I'm asking nicely." Serena stared into his eyes, pleading.
"I'll think on it."
"That's good enough. For now, Vegeta-sama."
****************************
DARK VOID
"It has been confirmed. They are back in this dimension." The Dark Lord said, not bothering to hide his irritation from his associate.
"Your incompetence is the cause of this." The dark-haired man said finally. Even though his body was a holographic projection, it was easy to see the dark power radiating from his being.
The Dark Lord glared, "It will be rectified shortly. I have the perfect plan, quick. It can even be carried out tonight." He smiled cruelly.
"Is that so?"
With a wave of the Dark Lord's hand, a large mirror appeared and the picture of a young woman was depicted, "This is the one we will use."
He watched in satisfaction as his associate stared at the mirror, "Such a pretty thing." The dark-haired man said, finally smirking.
"Her mind is weak and she is frightened, she will be perfect for what I have in mind." The Dark Lord voiced. "I will not fail again."
"You had better not." The man countered before the image flickered and disappeared.
The Dark Lord sat back, enjoying the workings of his negative mind. 'I will have you dear Lady of the Cosmos, you shall be my toy, my servant...My consort. Then I will wipe your foolish friends off the face of the Earth!'
"Akki! Come forth, I have a job for you." The Dark Lord said, smiling evilly.
"I hear, Master." A hard, grating voice replied from the darkest corner of the throne room, "and as always, I obey......'
***********************************
SM DIMENSION
"Naru!" Serena yelled and ran to hug her friend, nearly knocking her back out of the doorway.
"Usa! I'm so glad to see you! I went to Rei's shrine and she told me you were here. Have you been here the whole time or did you go somewhere?"
"So many questions Naru. Come in first!" Serena grinned, tugging her friend towards the living room.
"I've missed you more than you could know, but I had to get away." Serena said, plopping down in a plush couch next to Michelle, who was inspecting her violin bow.
"Hello Naru." Michelle said, never taking her eyes away from the bow.
Naru smiled at her and then sat down next to Serena, moving to whisper in her ear, "Did you leave...because of Darien?"
Serena's eyes widened, "What?!"
Naru's eyes saddened, "Is it because of...you know?"
"What are you talking about Naru?" Serena said slowly, turning to look at her friend.
Naru whispered even quieter, "Darien's death of course. Serena I'm so sorry. I figured that's why you left."
"D-DEATH?!?! Darien's...D-D-D-EAD?!?!?" Serena gasped, almost choking on the words.
Michelle went right on cleaning and inspecting her bow...but her eyes flashed with suspicion. Swiftly she stood and walked out of the room, flashing Serena and Naru a bright smile before disappearing out the door.
Naru turned back to her friend and gave her a strange look, "You...didn't know?"
"No! Even the others don't know." Serena said, disbelief still apparent in her eyes.
"Oh Serena, I'm so sorry. I thought...you knew." Naru's eyes filled with tears and she hugged Serena tightly, her long auburn hair tumbling over her shoulders.
Serena just sat and let Naru hug her tightly. Something was wrong, very wrong with what she had heard. Her face became paler and paler until finally she mumbled something to Naru and pushed her away, running to the bathroom to throw up.
******************************
Naru waved uncertainly as the door clicked shut in front of her. Turning, she hurried through the evening as the dark rain clouds rushed through the sky, complemented by occasional streaks of lightening. She ran through the shadows until she came to a dark alleyway.
Taking a deep breath she slipped through the narrow opening and sat down, settling into the dark. She smiled happily and suddenly her features changed. Her hair crimped and changed color, becoming short and ash gray. Her eyes flashed green for a moment and then burned turned red-brown and her skin seemed to tear in some places and fold, wrinkling and sagging to become shadowy and translucent.
The darkness seemed to swallow Akki up and he pushed through the portal back into the Dark Void.
"Maaaster......The trap has been set...for I hear...and as always I obey......"
**********************************************
LATER THAT EVENING
"Are you sure you heard right?" Amara said carefully.
"I am sure." Michelle said softly. She leaned carefully against the glass of the aquarium, her long hair flowing around her shoulders.
"And the princess?"
"She hasn't been out of her room in three hours. She has refused everyone except Vegeta. I believe she telling him about her past history with Darian." Hotaru said, walking into the large room.
"Hotaru! You startled me." Michelle said, looking away from Amara.
Hotaru smoothed her dark purple miniskirt and smiled, "She will be fine."
"Hotaru......What do you know?" Amara said suddenly, having studied the young teen's face.
"Why would I know anything? I know nothing of the future, that's Mirai's specialty." Hotaru said softly, walking towards her parents.
Michelle stared at her, "Hotaru, you do know something don't you?"
"Hota-chan, did you know Darian was dead?" Amara said bluntly.
Hotaru blinked and then laughed, so hard that she began wiping tears from her eyes. Her eyes flashed dangerously, "I did -NOT- know actually."
Amara eyed her carefully again, "Hotaru?"
Hotaru glared again and then looked away, "I won't stand here just to be accused by my own family." She whirled around and walked proudly out of the aquarium.
****************************
'They believe Darian is dead.' Hotaru thought, careful not to move at all. Whenever she spoke mentally with Pluto, much of her energy was depleted and moving just made it worse.
'Hmm...The Dark Lord is cunning; I'll give him that. But we are, as we always will be, one step ahead.' Pluto replied with her thoughts.
Hotaru thought she could hear Pluto smiling.
'Hotaru.'
'Yes.'
'Have they told the others yet?'
'Not that I'm aware of.'
'So only the Princess, you, Michelle and Amara know, correct?'
'Yes.'
'Perfect.'
'Pluto...what about Mirai?'
'She has her own part to play......'
*****************************
A mind is a terrible thing to waste...especially if it's your mind. Mirai grinned at herself in the mirror.
'Crazy. I'm going to go crazy from these fucked up visions.'
Was it true? Maybe. Did she know? Nope. Did she care? A little.
'I'm not even who I was just a months ago. I mean I was never really ecstatic about my life, but now, with all these crazy things happening...I'm starting to miss when I only had a few visions a week...some feelings now and then...'
But it was showing. Her once ragged, shorn haircut was now even and long. Her dark brown hair swept down, sweetly over her shoulder. She probably would look pretty, maybe even beautiful.
But now she had changed. She had lost much of her muscular track star image, appearing more delicate, though she was still exceedingly strong. Her eyes, large and brown, were tired and sad, always. Her skin had gotten strangely paler, almost less Hotaru's color. She slept sometimes so the dark circles were mere shadows under eyes but now she slept too much, choosing to fly into oblivion than to stay awake and feel the sharp stabbing visions of pain and blood.
'Crazy. Crazy with everything and yet hopeful.' Mirai thought, staring at herself in the mirror.
When she changed so much? Mirai couldn't remember. But she would look into the mirror and those sad eyes wouldn't seem like hers...they would seem like someone else's. Some being that was heartbreakingly powerful and ancient.
'But I'm me, right? Because...if I'm not...who...am...I?'
And suddenly it seemed like her whole body was aching. Everything was dizzyingly bright and loud, the decibel level burning her ears.
Pain...it was everywhere, lacing the atmosphere in red. Mirai saw, without seeing, her vision. Crying...crying...and shouts.
Serena
Vegeta
Hotaru
Trunks
Rini
Bulma
Chi-Chi
Voices...everywhere, yelling pointing screaming...And her hair so long...her eyes so...blue? No...no...no...
'I DON'T ACCEPT THIS!' Mirai screamed to herself. And then...as quick as it had come the vision ended.
Mirai was alone in the bathroom, leaning against the side tub where she had fallen. Her vision was blurry and rippling, but she could see the red smears clearly.
'I must have hit my head somewhere.'
Then...as clear as crystal...a voice whispered deep in her mind, an unfamiliar voice and yet...it was.
'You may shun your powers, but you cannot reject your name, Mirai.'
And Mirai stood, slowly, carefully. She stood and faced the mirror and for just a moment she thought she could see it. Herself. Truly. Fated to be fate...to take the future into her palm and guide it in a way Time could not. She could see her aura burn magenta and her eyes blaze misty cerulean. Adore her long, ground-length brown hair...
Of course, the light can play tricks on a person's eyes, especially when seeking truth in a mirror.....................
LoNe StAr in an OcEaN SkY