~The Road Less Traveled~
Chapter 3
Usagi crept up the trellis at the front of her parent's house, and swung silently on to the balcony outside of her old bedroom. She paused for a moment to listen in the half moonlight, and quietly slid open the double door. The thanked the heavens that her parents often forgot to lock this door., allowing her easy access. Suddenly the memory of another night long ago, shortly before Galaxia's final attack, came to her. Seiya had come by her house and when discovered, and had promised to attend the first year's class fair. She didn't realize until much later what adversity had stood in his way just for him to visit for that short time, and how deep his feelings for her were. He had to go against the efforts of many to see her, and he did so without reservation. She felt a sudden rise of emotion swell in her body, and her vision began to blur. She quickly wiped her eyes and resolved even more strongly that she would find him, no matter the cost.
Usagi padded softly into the room and slid the door shut leaving a small crack open. Listening attentively for any murmur of noise, she went to the large double closet. She opened the closet door and knelt, surveying the bottom. Feeling with her fingers in the darkness she traced the edge of the carpet, and gingerly lifted up the seam. Touching the floor below the carpet, she wedged her index finer inside a small hole and with a slight pressure, removed a small section of plywood. Reaching in the shallow hole she carefully pulled out a small box. At this moment Usagi realized that she had been holding her breath involuntarily and slowly released it. Tentatively she opened the box and removed the ginzuishou within. The large crystal sparked in the gloom, collecting what little light was in the room and reflecting it from its highly faceted surface. Usagi was struck with the beauty of the crystal, and prayed silently that it contained enough power to take her on her quest. Abruptly Usagi realized that she was not alone, and whirled around to see a small creature sitting placidly in the middle of the room.
" Usagi. "
"Luna! You scared me half to death! What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" Usagi rasped in a hoarse whisper.
" Waiting for you." the cat replied, giving Usagi a sidelong look;" I spoke to Ami after she left your apartment today."
Usagi was taken aback at the news that Ami had revealed her plans so soon, but realized that it was inevitable. Ami and Luna had lived together since Usagi has moved out of her parents' home over three years ago, and in many ways they were just as close as Usagi and Luna. Ami must have shared her concerns with Luna, and Luna realizing that Usagi needed the ginzuishou, waited for her here.
" Well, I see that you knew that I needed the crystal. I'm just curious at what you are going to say to me now that I'm here." Usagi said as she knelt before Luna, cradling the silver crystal in her hand.
"Usagi, you know that I have only wanted you to be happy, and that is all that I have ever wanted." Luna responded, her tail twitching slightly; " However the current path that you have chosen is a very arduous one. I suppose that you are going to travel the Kinnmoku first, to look for any news of Seiya or Seiya himself. What if Kakyuu is no longer in power and they have no idea who Sailor Moon is much less Usagi? What if Seiya is gone far away, no one knows where he is, or even worse is dead? For all we know the Sailor Wars have ended, but who is to say what crises are happening in their galaxy. I just want you to tell me that you have thought of these things."
" Luna, you know better than anyone what kind of person I am now, how much I have changed and grown. I suffered and triumphed through all the trials that faced Sailor Moon, and then in the years after I continued to shape my future as I wanted it to be. Of course I have thought of all those contingencies, but I decided that I couldn't continue my life without knowing if there is a possibility that I can have Seiya back in it.." Usagi stood up and sat at on the edge of her old bed and cradled her head in her palms as the gazed at Luna in the shadows. " I don't know what awaits me, but I have to find out for myself. "
In the stillness, Usagi and Luna gazed at each other, neither one wavering. Raising on her hind legs, Luna walked to Usagi and placed a soft paw on her foot.
" That is all well and good, but you realize I can't let you go alone."
Startled Usagi, looked up to see a mischievous glint sparking in the cat's eye. A wide grin spread on Usagi's face, glowing faintly in the darkness. A feeling of relief grew in her, and she realized that even though she was prepared to continue on this quest alone, she was relieved that she wouldn't have too. Dropping to the floor she the encircled the cat with her arms in a gentle hug.
" Thank you Luna."
" Now, now enough of that. "Luna said wryly, disentangling herself; " We still have much to do."
Usagi rose to her feet and crossed the room to the balcony, beckoning Luna to follow. Once outside she climbed nimbly down the trellis while Luna followed. Once safely away from the house, they slowed their pace and strode together comfortably in the darkness. Usagi breathed deeply, inhaling the sweet aroma that wafted softly in the warm air. She would never get tired of the beauty of a summer's night. This night was especially poignant because she had no idea when she would be returning to Earth, it could be a different season or even a different year. She knew that it didn't matter when she returned, because at least the questions that plagued her mind would be answered, and she could live her life contented. Slowly as they walked the trees and houses began to grow thinner, and they found themselves in a small park. Usagi paused waiting for Luna to reach her.
" I think that this place is fine. There is no one around to see us." Usagi said, surveying the still expanse of the park.
Luna nodded in agreement. " I think we should not linger too long though, just to be safe."
Usagi glanced at Luna, wondering what the cat was thinking. " Luna there is something I want to do before we go, but I'll need your permission."
" What for?"
" I want to turn you into a human."
Luna started and looked at Usagi. " One of the reasons I want to do that is because we will be travelling to strange new places, and I don't know how a talking cat will be received. " 'or even a human being' she thought laughingly to herself;' " But the real reason is that I think that you would be a real sexy lady."
Luna rolled her eyes at the last comment. " Well, the beginning of what you said made sense. All the alien senshi at least looked human so that is a good place to start. Just be careful with that ginzuishou okay? You haven't used it in a long while."
" I promise. " Usagi replied with mock solemnity, happy that she and Luna were starting this quest in a jovial mood. Putting her hand in her pocket she pulled out the ginzuishou and cupped it between her hands. Now completely serious, Usagi quieted her mind and willed her thoughts and energy to flow into the silver crystal. Gradually, a familiar feeling, much like the tuning of an instrument resonated through her body as she began to connect to the power within the crystal. The surprise that the connection still existed almost made Usagi break her concentration ,but she quickly regained her composure.
As the vibration of power within her began to intensify she began to will Luna to change her feline form for a human one. She could feel the power begin to pass from her to Luna but did not want to open her eyes in fear that the connection would be broken. Abruptly, she felt the need to stop and unclasped her hands from the crystal. She opened her eyes gingerly, and marveled at what she saw. A tall, graceful woman stood where Luna had been. Her long black hair fell in soft waves to her waist and her body was draped in a pale yellow sheath. A yellow crescent moon was emblazoned on her forehead, and her eyes were a warm brown. When she saw Usagi open her eyes, she leaned forward and wrapped her in a tight hug.
" I had wanted to do that all those times you were hurting."
" I know Luna." Usagi replied softly. " I always knew that you did."
Usagi stepped back, joining her one hand to Luna's tightly. " It's time to go."
Luna nodded, joining her free hand with Usagi and the ginzuishou. Usagi once again closed her eyes and sought her connection with the crystal. This time Usagi knew that she would need all the power of the Ginzuishou to reach Kinnmoku, and poured all of her passions into the crystal. She reached deep into her soul summon up the love, happiness and friendship Seiya had given her, and the pain and sadness of her life without him. This energy made the crystal throb powerfully, and with all of her being Usagi wished herself to Kinnmoku, Seiya's face foremost in her mind.
Chapter 3
Usagi crept up the trellis at the front of her parent's house, and swung silently on to the balcony outside of her old bedroom. She paused for a moment to listen in the half moonlight, and quietly slid open the double door. The thanked the heavens that her parents often forgot to lock this door., allowing her easy access. Suddenly the memory of another night long ago, shortly before Galaxia's final attack, came to her. Seiya had come by her house and when discovered, and had promised to attend the first year's class fair. She didn't realize until much later what adversity had stood in his way just for him to visit for that short time, and how deep his feelings for her were. He had to go against the efforts of many to see her, and he did so without reservation. She felt a sudden rise of emotion swell in her body, and her vision began to blur. She quickly wiped her eyes and resolved even more strongly that she would find him, no matter the cost.
Usagi padded softly into the room and slid the door shut leaving a small crack open. Listening attentively for any murmur of noise, she went to the large double closet. She opened the closet door and knelt, surveying the bottom. Feeling with her fingers in the darkness she traced the edge of the carpet, and gingerly lifted up the seam. Touching the floor below the carpet, she wedged her index finer inside a small hole and with a slight pressure, removed a small section of plywood. Reaching in the shallow hole she carefully pulled out a small box. At this moment Usagi realized that she had been holding her breath involuntarily and slowly released it. Tentatively she opened the box and removed the ginzuishou within. The large crystal sparked in the gloom, collecting what little light was in the room and reflecting it from its highly faceted surface. Usagi was struck with the beauty of the crystal, and prayed silently that it contained enough power to take her on her quest. Abruptly Usagi realized that she was not alone, and whirled around to see a small creature sitting placidly in the middle of the room.
" Usagi. "
"Luna! You scared me half to death! What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" Usagi rasped in a hoarse whisper.
" Waiting for you." the cat replied, giving Usagi a sidelong look;" I spoke to Ami after she left your apartment today."
Usagi was taken aback at the news that Ami had revealed her plans so soon, but realized that it was inevitable. Ami and Luna had lived together since Usagi has moved out of her parents' home over three years ago, and in many ways they were just as close as Usagi and Luna. Ami must have shared her concerns with Luna, and Luna realizing that Usagi needed the ginzuishou, waited for her here.
" Well, I see that you knew that I needed the crystal. I'm just curious at what you are going to say to me now that I'm here." Usagi said as she knelt before Luna, cradling the silver crystal in her hand.
"Usagi, you know that I have only wanted you to be happy, and that is all that I have ever wanted." Luna responded, her tail twitching slightly; " However the current path that you have chosen is a very arduous one. I suppose that you are going to travel the Kinnmoku first, to look for any news of Seiya or Seiya himself. What if Kakyuu is no longer in power and they have no idea who Sailor Moon is much less Usagi? What if Seiya is gone far away, no one knows where he is, or even worse is dead? For all we know the Sailor Wars have ended, but who is to say what crises are happening in their galaxy. I just want you to tell me that you have thought of these things."
" Luna, you know better than anyone what kind of person I am now, how much I have changed and grown. I suffered and triumphed through all the trials that faced Sailor Moon, and then in the years after I continued to shape my future as I wanted it to be. Of course I have thought of all those contingencies, but I decided that I couldn't continue my life without knowing if there is a possibility that I can have Seiya back in it.." Usagi stood up and sat at on the edge of her old bed and cradled her head in her palms as the gazed at Luna in the shadows. " I don't know what awaits me, but I have to find out for myself. "
In the stillness, Usagi and Luna gazed at each other, neither one wavering. Raising on her hind legs, Luna walked to Usagi and placed a soft paw on her foot.
" That is all well and good, but you realize I can't let you go alone."
Startled Usagi, looked up to see a mischievous glint sparking in the cat's eye. A wide grin spread on Usagi's face, glowing faintly in the darkness. A feeling of relief grew in her, and she realized that even though she was prepared to continue on this quest alone, she was relieved that she wouldn't have too. Dropping to the floor she the encircled the cat with her arms in a gentle hug.
" Thank you Luna."
" Now, now enough of that. "Luna said wryly, disentangling herself; " We still have much to do."
Usagi rose to her feet and crossed the room to the balcony, beckoning Luna to follow. Once outside she climbed nimbly down the trellis while Luna followed. Once safely away from the house, they slowed their pace and strode together comfortably in the darkness. Usagi breathed deeply, inhaling the sweet aroma that wafted softly in the warm air. She would never get tired of the beauty of a summer's night. This night was especially poignant because she had no idea when she would be returning to Earth, it could be a different season or even a different year. She knew that it didn't matter when she returned, because at least the questions that plagued her mind would be answered, and she could live her life contented. Slowly as they walked the trees and houses began to grow thinner, and they found themselves in a small park. Usagi paused waiting for Luna to reach her.
" I think that this place is fine. There is no one around to see us." Usagi said, surveying the still expanse of the park.
Luna nodded in agreement. " I think we should not linger too long though, just to be safe."
Usagi glanced at Luna, wondering what the cat was thinking. " Luna there is something I want to do before we go, but I'll need your permission."
" What for?"
" I want to turn you into a human."
Luna started and looked at Usagi. " One of the reasons I want to do that is because we will be travelling to strange new places, and I don't know how a talking cat will be received. " 'or even a human being' she thought laughingly to herself;' " But the real reason is that I think that you would be a real sexy lady."
Luna rolled her eyes at the last comment. " Well, the beginning of what you said made sense. All the alien senshi at least looked human so that is a good place to start. Just be careful with that ginzuishou okay? You haven't used it in a long while."
" I promise. " Usagi replied with mock solemnity, happy that she and Luna were starting this quest in a jovial mood. Putting her hand in her pocket she pulled out the ginzuishou and cupped it between her hands. Now completely serious, Usagi quieted her mind and willed her thoughts and energy to flow into the silver crystal. Gradually, a familiar feeling, much like the tuning of an instrument resonated through her body as she began to connect to the power within the crystal. The surprise that the connection still existed almost made Usagi break her concentration ,but she quickly regained her composure.
As the vibration of power within her began to intensify she began to will Luna to change her feline form for a human one. She could feel the power begin to pass from her to Luna but did not want to open her eyes in fear that the connection would be broken. Abruptly, she felt the need to stop and unclasped her hands from the crystal. She opened her eyes gingerly, and marveled at what she saw. A tall, graceful woman stood where Luna had been. Her long black hair fell in soft waves to her waist and her body was draped in a pale yellow sheath. A yellow crescent moon was emblazoned on her forehead, and her eyes were a warm brown. When she saw Usagi open her eyes, she leaned forward and wrapped her in a tight hug.
" I had wanted to do that all those times you were hurting."
" I know Luna." Usagi replied softly. " I always knew that you did."
Usagi stepped back, joining her one hand to Luna's tightly. " It's time to go."
Luna nodded, joining her free hand with Usagi and the ginzuishou. Usagi once again closed her eyes and sought her connection with the crystal. This time Usagi knew that she would need all the power of the Ginzuishou to reach Kinnmoku, and poured all of her passions into the crystal. She reached deep into her soul summon up the love, happiness and friendship Seiya had given her, and the pain and sadness of her life without him. This energy made the crystal throb powerfully, and with all of her being Usagi wished herself to Kinnmoku, Seiya's face foremost in her mind.