BY
COMMANDER
GALOS
CHAPTER 7:
CONVERGENCE.
Dock 127 was a beehive of activity. Automated drones and
manned pods were coming and going, as well as a staggering network of
communication systems sent and received enormous quantity of data to and from
the ship docked there.
The Lucky Star, a multi-purpose ship 3 miles long, mainly
used as a Jack-of-all-trades, was being refitted and prepared for another
voyage. Supplies were taken onboard, systems were recalibrated, equipment was
fine-tuned, and personnel and crew were either leaving or boarding. Among those boarding was a trio of ensigns,
two of them recently graduated. The aforementioned couple was nervous,
suffering from barely sufficient sleep; however, they were also anxious to
start their duties.
The new arrivals were gathered in a small briefing room, the
murmurs permeating the air with nervous energy. When the ship's captain entered
the room, everybody kept silent. All presents stood up, saluting their superior
officer, as it was wont: right hand extended, palm facing down, in front of the
chest.
"At ease." The captain said. Standing in front of a small
podium, he then addressed the gathered crew. "For those of you who doesn't know
me, I'm Captain Jason Vardeen, and I welcome you to the Lucky Star. I'm aware
that most of you aren't happy of being here, but let me assure you: once me and
my officers are finished with you, you'll either want to run screaming back
home, or you'll ask to join us.
"For those of you who recently graduated and aren't sure
what step to take from here, there is a simple way to help you with that.
Effective immediately, you will be on rotation duty. You, like this ship, will
be 'jacks of all trades', learning a little from all that makes a multi-purpose
ship tic. From there on, you are the ones that will decide which station you
want to remain at.
"Now, go to your assigned quarters, where your orders and
duties will be waiting for you. Get ready for departure at 1030 hours. That
will be all. Dismissed." With that, everybody left the room back to their
quarters, some forming small groups and chatting among them.
"Well, this is it." Luna said, once she and Serena joined
Syl. "This is where we decide our destinies. Jeez, I hope I get assigned to
Bridge duty during take-off!"
"At least you know what you want to do, Luna." Said Serena,
looking slightly apprehensive. "I still don't know what I want to do. I mean,
what can I do? I'm not really good at doing something specifically."
"Well, I'm not sure about that, Sere." Said Syl, patting her
gently on the shoulder. "If I recall correctly, you got high grades in
inter-personal relationships. I wouldn't be surprised if you end up in the
Psych division on the infirmary. I mean, you just being nearby makes everybody
feel a whole better."
"Or perhaps you could be part of the Diplomatic Corps,"
added Luna, "after all, you have a nick to defuse a lot of situations. Hey,
after all, you're the only person I know of that's been capable to tame a
Telurian dragon! That's one exobiology class I won't forget as long as I live!"
"It was nothing, really." Serena said, blushing at the
memory. "The poor thing was scared, and it came to me so naturally."
"You made quite a stir that day." Said Syl, smiling. "Rumors
are still flying around the Academy about your stunt. You became a legend that
day."
"Not to mention becoming the most popular girl in the whole
campus!" added Luna, smirking. "The building landlord almost had us evicted
after the vidphone lines got so cramped one weekend by guys asking Serena for a
date!" she couldn't help to laugh at seeing Serena's expression at the memory.
Chatting in that vein, they approached the area where the
girls' quarters were situated. And when they turned around a corner, they got
the surprise of their lives. Standing in front of what was Serena's cabin was
an Ethereal… one that Serena's senses identified immediately.
"Sensei…" Serena muttered, her voice full of surprise and
admiration. "What are you doing here?"
(I'm here as an observer for my people.) 'Said the Ethereal.
(I just came to pay my respects to my favorite student, and to make sure you
haven't forgotten your lessons.)
Serena smiled at the being, switching to telepathy. (I
haven't Sensei. I've been practicing daily.)
(I am pleased to know that. Now, if you excuse me, I have to
return to my quarters. Good day to you and your companions.) With that, the
Ethereal walked down the corridor, more than one crewmember stepping aside to
let it pass.
"Wow… you REALLY must have left an impression on them." Said
Syl, blinking rapidly.
"I'll say…" Luna said. Shaking her head a little, she
changed themes. "Well, I better get in my cabin and see where I'm going now.
See you around guys!"
"See ya. Oh, and let's get together for lunch later, ok?"
said Syl, getting a nod from his friends. With that, they went to their own
quarters.
However, all the time between that encounter and take-off,
Serena was in deep thought. During her stay at the Citadel, she learned that
the Ethereals always had a second, or even a third, motive for everything they
did. But for the life of her, she couldn't guess why her Sensei was on board…
but she had the distinct sensation that it was connected with her.
* * *
*
The first stop the Star made was a research station orbiting
a nebula 700 light years away from the Agency's homeworld. For the last
seventeen years, the readings gathered by the scientific staff stationed there
had been showing strange fluctuations; that had caused the Agency to send a new
team of astrophysicists to examine the gathered Data. For some of the new
graduates, it was a perfect opportunity to hone their abilities, although for
others it was a drag.
That was specially shown by a couple of them.
"I hate this." Muttered Luna for the nth time. She had been
saying that from the very moment she arrived at the computers room.
"Oh, please shut up!" said Serena, her patience at its
limit. They had been organizing the data packs for the last seven hours, and
they still had a lot of work to do. The fact that the job was mind numbing,
added to Luna's mutterings only served to unnerve her more. "This is boring
enough as it is."
"But I REALLY hate this! I mean, come on! What does this
have to do with manning a starship? This is useful only for those
number-crunchers back at the main base! Why don't the wise guys that use this
tin can just compress the packs and send them back home? That would be easier!"
"Beats me. The only thing I know is that we were ordered to
do this, and I'm intending to do my best… although I still can't make heads or
tails from all this."
"You and me both, girl." Luna continued tapping at her
console, trying to finish her assignment. Five minutes later she muttered once
more. "I hate this."
Serena sighed, wondering if she could survive the last hour
until their replacements arrive without strangling her friend.
Once their duty was done and the next staff members replaced
them, Serena and Luna went back to the ship. Luna headed straight for her
quarters, all the time muttering that she didn't want to see another series of
number for the rest of the voyage. Serena, meanwhile, headed to the lounge to
get something to eat.
She had just finished her snack and was drinking some water
when her senses alerted her of the arrival of a friend. Smiling, she placed the
glass back on the table she was using and waited. She didn't wait long; she
smiled at the Ethereal, who took a seat right in front of her. (Greetings,
Sensei. What can I do for you?)
The Ethereal didn't say a thing. Instead, it kept its
position, its hood aimed straight at Serena. She waited patiently, unfazed by
its presence. She barely paid attention when the few crewmembers in the lounge
left the premises, intimidated by her companion.
(You have done well, young one.) Said the Ethereal after
another minute of silent contemplation. (Now, if you please follow me, there is
something I want to show you.) With that, the Ethereal stood up and headed for
the exit. Serena, curious, followed him.
When they arrived at one of the exit doors, she looked at
her companion, puzzled. However, the Ethereal just looked [?] at the locker
where the spare spacesuits were stored. Those suits were normally used for
short space walks, so they were designed to be easy to put and operate. Getting
the message, Serena grabbed one from the hangers and suited up. Once she was sure
all the connections were correctly made and her oxygen supply was in working
order, she addressed the Ethereal. (I'm done Sensei. Where are we going?)
(To watch something not everybody has the honor to witness,
young one. Now, follow me.) The Ethereal then looked at the controls, opening
the bay door to open space. Without apparent difficulty, the strange being
began to walk on the hull. Serena wondered briefly how her Sensei could survive
on the hard vacuum without apparent external support; shrugging the matter away
for later consideration, she activated the magnetic soles of her boots and
followed him.
They walked on the outside of the ship until they reached
the bottom of it. The scenery was breathtaking: the nebula the station was
analyzing was situated near to a star cluster, its light making the gas cloud
shine with a rainbow of incredible and vivid colors. The stars themselves,
their light filtered by the space dust seemed milky, a halo of light
surrounding them.
(Sensei… this is beautiful.) Transmitted Serena, overtaken
by the spectacle. She had seen a part of it from one of the observation decks
on the station, but never with such detail. The Ethereal didn't say a thing.
After a couple of minutes of contemplation, the suit's radio
crackled, signaling an incoming message. + Attention all personnel. Sensors
readings indicate a massive energy fluctuation heading this way from a nearby
nova. Personnel on EVAs have to return to the ship or the station immediately.
Repeat: a massive energy fluctuation from a nearby nova is heading this way. +
(Sensei, it is dangerous to remain here, we must head back!)
Transmitted Serena, worried. However, the Ethereal didn't move from its
position. (Sensei, come on! We have to return!) She was about to grab the being's
robe when it finally answered.
(Have you forgotten already young one?) The Ethereal said.
(That is what worried me. You are falling again into the same errors your piers
follow, thinking that what they know is correct. Remember, we are the architects
of our own destiny; we are part of the cosmos, and the cosmos is part of us.
This 'energy wave' your scientists noticed will not harm us, unless we let it
do it. Remember what you have learned, and you'll see.)
Serena took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself; once
done, she cleared her mind and began to search in her memory for the lessons
that would help her in this situation. Without apparent reason, she remembered
one occasion nine months ago.
She and her Sensei were standing next to a light column
coming from an opening on the ceiling of the Citadel. The Ethereal moved a
little and, to Serena's total surprise, the beam of light moved in a curve to
hit the wall. When she asked what he had done, the Ethereal's answer was
(everything around us is made of energy, even matter. There is no force greater
in the universe than the mind. With it, we can do what others consider
impossible, since for the mind there are no limits. All sentient beings in the
universe have this capability, but not all have the ability to use it to its
full potential. You, however, have tasted this part of your being.
(Search deep inside you, touch your soul, grab your inner
being, and accept it. When you do it, you will be able to do whatever your mind
sees and wants.)
It took Serena another month to understand those words, and
another one to finally do the same. By the end of her stay, she was able to
bend the light coming from the window on her cell, shaping it to whatever form
she conceived.
Opening her eyes, Serena returned to the present. She looked
at the Ethereal, and could sense that it approved the course of action she was
about to take. Nodding, she closed her eyes once more and concentrated. Without
warning, the Ginzuishou appeared between her extended hands, answering her
call.
During that last training period, she practiced with it, and
to her total surprise identified herself with the crystal. She was awed by the
immense power the artifact could wield, but also understood why it had such
effects on all the royal family. Not everybody could connect with the
Ginzuishou, despite it being attuned to the Moon Royalty. Not all her ancestors
were able to understand the intricacies of the energy flowing through it, a
well of power that transcended the dimensions. But now, for the first time
since the crystal had been created, a member of the Moon was able to finally
understand it to its fullest. The Ginzuishou had an alien intelligence of its
own, but it had no self-consciousness. That is what each member of the line of
Serenity provided. But the past owners of the crystal weren't able to bond with
it completely; therefore the crystal was harmful if used beyond the capacity of
its user.
Serena however, thanks to the training received, had been
able to totally bond with the Ginzuishou; with her new state of mind and
knowledge, she was now capable of wielding the crystal's full capacities, their
symbiosis complete. But she had been warned; her Sensei, with that citing
streak he had, told her that 'with great power, comes greater responsibility.'
That is why she decided not to use the crystal unless absolutely necessary.
Her senses magnified to incredible levels, Serena was able
to sense the approaching energy wave. With a simple mental command, she
manipulated the incoming maelstrom to open a small passage of emptiness right
in their path, securing a safe spot for her and her companion. She also sensed
the Ethereal's approval, making her feel satisfied.
They waited patiently for the energy wave to arrive, secure
in their position. Serena idly paid attention to what the suit's radio
communicated. It was five minutes before the wave's arrival when the Ethereal
began to 'talk'.
(Existence is an eternal circle. It has no end and no
beginning. Everything happening in the universe has a purpose; nothing is
wasted, everything is used over and over again. What to others is a terrible
loss, to others is a boon, a cornucopia.)
(I think I can see what you mean Sensei…) transmitted back
Serena. (But I fail to see what purpose a star dying could have, if that's what
you are talking about.)
(Patience, young one, patience. That is why we are here.
Even our presence here has a purpose, as you will see.) It was in that moment
that the energy from the nova reached their position. Serena's suit radio
crackled, communications interrupted. Turning around, she saw small sparks
dancing all over the ship's hull. A part of her mind told her that it was
because the ionized particles were interacting with the metal and ceramics, but
paid no attention to the thought. Instead, she extended her senses a little
more, perceiving the apparently chaotic dance of energy surrounding her. It was
at that moment that she noticed something else was happening.
Turning around, she watched in the direction the energy wave
was heading, and with a gasp saw what her Sensei was talking about. The
high-energy wave was pushing the dust of the nebula away from them! But that
wasn't the only force in action there. From the opposite side of the dust
cloud, the energy from the star cluster had been pushing the cloud towards
their position for millennia, albeit slower due to the distance. But the
constant influx had charged the dust particles, and that charge was interacting
with the intruding force. To her amazed senses, the dust particles began to
coalesce, to gather in a few points. The resulting dust clusters, in turn,
began to move towards another central point, the mass increasing. The whole
process was happening at an astonishing fast rate.
Serena lost all meaning of the passage of time, totally
absorbed by the astronomical phenomena happening in front of her. It was when
the gas and dust cloud had gathered in a central point when the Ethereal
transmitted one single word.
(Now.)
Once more, at an amazingly fast pace, the dust began to
collapse on itself; Serena's senses caught the increase of temperature and
energy on the dust cloud, but didn't understand it immediately. It was until
she could hardly see the collapsing cloud that she understood.
Without warning, as if someone had used a camera flash, a
sudden explosion of light came from that position. Even with her extended
senses, the event caught Serena by surprise; she yelped when that happened.
When she finally opened her eyes, she turned around in the direction of the
light source… and marveled at what she saw.
Where once was a dispersed nebula, was now a shining
blue-white star, its heat reaching them. Subconsciously, Serena ordered the
Ginzuishou to deflect some of the radiation now reaching them, which the crystal
did. Once more extending her senses, she noticed that the remaining dust
pockets were also gathering, but they didn't explode like the new sun. It
wasn't long until she comprehended what she had witnessed: she had seen
first-hand the birth of a new solar system!
(Now you understand, young one.) Transmitted the Ethereal,
drawing Serena away from the spectacle. (What was the loss of an old solar
system, became the spark that gave life to a waiting one. All is part of the
eternal cycle.
(Never forget this lesson.)
(I won't, Sensei. And… thank you.) Answered Serena, humbled.
Without saying anything else, the Ethereal began to head
towards the lock they used to leave the ship, Serena in tow.
* * *
*
After that stop, Serena and her friends traveled to another
worlds, another parallel universes. Many lessons were learned during that
voyage, and she had lots of experiences and adventures.
But those are stories for another time.
((A.N.- Man, ain't I a stinker?))
* * *
*
It was the last leg of that voyage. The Lucky Star had been
commissioned to carry a whole cargo of defective defense robots. The normal
purpose of those units in particular was like those of the Marines and the Navy
SEALS: elite robotic troopers for attack and assault. However, the ones in the
cargo holds had a design flaw on their main processors. For that reason, they
were taken to Reality Base 1 for recycling.
During the whole voyage, Serena and Luna had become famous
on the ship… especially their sparring matches. Serena had learned a few
fighting styles from different grandmasters, styles that suited her
personality. She wasn't an attacker, more like a defender; so, it was logical
that she learned styles to suit that.
They were at that moment sparring in one of the training
areas of the ship, a crowd gathered around them at a respectable distance.
Perhaps Serena wasn't attacking, but Luna was another story altogether! What
impressed the other crewmembers the most was that, while fighting, they were
also talking as if it was the most normal thing in the universe… and for them,
it was.
"So…" said Luna, circling her opponent. "Have you decided
yet?" she then launched a series of fast punches and kicks.
"No, not yet. I'm still confused." Answered Serena, all the
while dodging the attacks with an ease that was almost inhuman. "I mean, I like
it here, but… I don't know." Seeing an opportunity, she grabbed one of Luna's
arms and tossed her over her shoulder.
Instead of hitting the mats, Luna flipped in midair and
landed on her feet, assuming a stance. "Well, you better think about it some
more girlfriend." She then attacked low with a swipe kick. "You have to give
your decision before we reach the ringworld." As expected, Serena jumped over
her attack, which was what Luna wanted. Planting her palms on the floor, she
launched a vicious double kick to Serena's abdomen.
Serena blocked the attack with her arms, but the strength
behind the attack still sent her soaring to the other end of the mats. She then
did a back flip in midair and, with incredible grace, landed on her feet. A
chorus of 'oooh's and 'aaaah's came from the crowd. She paid no attention to
that, her attention completely on her opponent. "Good shot, but not good
enough."
"Heh, I'm just warming up!" Luna answered, smirking. They
had been going at it for the last hour, and none showed signs of exhaustion.
That is what amazed all who witnessed those matches: it was expected from Luna,
since the felinoids were known of having stamina greater than humans. But Serena
always showed an endurance that went beyond normal human norms.
During the first month and a half of the voyage, many
members of the security detachment had sparred with Serena [in hopes of asking
her out or something more]… and each one of them had been defeated in a matter
of minutes. In short, no normal human, no matter how well trained or strong,
was a match for her. By the second month, only Luna was able to give a decent
spar match to her: a fact that all bruised 'victims' accepted wholeheartedly.
Luna was about to continue when the P.A. system relayed the
next message.
+ Ensign Moon, please report to the captain's ready room.
Ensign Moon, please report to the captain's ready room. +
Upon hearing that, both combatants relaxed. Hearing the disappointment
groans from the gathered crowd, Serena addressed them. "Sorry guys, but duty
calls. See you all tomorrow!" She then turned around and addressed Luna. "Good
match. Too bad it was cut short."
"Yeah… and I was sure that I could kick your little butt
this time!" said Luna, smirking.
"Yeah, right. In your dreams girl! Well, have to go. Duty
calls, you know… see you later!" Serena then rushed to one of the Ultrasonic
showers in the facility and took a quick bath; once clean, she hurriedly
dressed up and went to the ready room.
A few moments later, she was standing in front of the
Captain. "Ensign Moon, reporting as requested Sir!"
"At ease, ensign." Once she assumed a more relaxed position,
Captain Vardeen addressed Serena. "As you might well know, you have to make a
decision regarding your status in the Agency during this trip."
"Yes sir, I'm aware of it sir." Serena said, all the while
feeling that a whole bunch of butterflies was at war in her stomach.
"Good. Because our last leg on this run is directly related
to you." Seeing her confused expression, the Captain explained. "It is normal
for people in your situation that, in order to help you make up your minds, you
have to face your past and weight it in order to decide."
Serena suddenly felt as if she had swallowed a lead weight,
and a sense of dread filled her being. "And what does that mean, sir?"
"It means that, tomorrow, we'll enter your home universe.
Since the report handed by Ensign Sylpheed left a lot of questions unanswered,
we have been assigned to make a more in-depth exploration of your world, in
order to assess if it can become a threat to the Agency or not. Since it is
your homeworld, you are going to be part of the exploration party.
"Also, you will have to take a stroll around your old living
area. The objective of this is to help you to decide if to become a citizen of
the Agency or an Ambassador. Also, as part of this procedure, you will have to
talk with your old acquaintances and weight their opinion of your persona. That
includes any living relative you may have known in the past."
Serena stood in there, unmoving, her emotions in turmoil.
(But… but… why? No… I don't think I can face… THEM. To go through all that
again… their… rejection, their disappointment on me, and… HIM! I… I can't do
it! My parents… what can I tell them? They won't believe me! That is… if they
still remember me.)
Taking her silence as acceptance, the Captain said. "Good. I
see you understand. Report tomorrow to teleport room 1 at 1100 hours with the
rest of the exploration group. Dismissed."
Stiffly, Serena left the ready room, her mind in total
turmoil. As soon as she entered the elevator that would take her to her
quarters, from a shadowed corner emerged a being dressed in orange robes, its
face completely cloaked by shadows. It watched the closed doors for a moment.
(This is your final test young one. This is where you will
decide your final destiny. I am sorry I can't tell you what road to take, since
it is in your hands to decide. I only pray that you take the right decision.)
The Ethereal went down an adjacent corridor, his presence
unnoticed.
* * *
*
Rubeus was furious. Furious with the Four Sisters, furious
with himself, but above all, he was furious with the Senshi. Since he had gotten
rid of Sailor Moon, those Sailor Brats and their companion had stopped all
their attempts to capture the Rabbit over and over again. What was worse, the
day before Esmeraude had contacted him, saying that Prince Demando was
disappointed with him, and that one more failure would be his last. He still
remembered that grating laugh of her, mocking him. Rubeus was sure that, if he
failed now, she would replace him… and that was something he loathed more than
anything!
On the other side of the room, the four sisters were
gathered together, for once not bickering among themselves. Instead, they
looked at Rubeus with worry etched on their faces. Each one of them was worried
for him; they had heard Esmeraude's message, and knew what it meant for them
all.
Since the beginning of the War to conquer Crystal Tokyo,
they had been thwarted various times. First, when Sailor Pluto sent the Rabbit
back in time to this primitive era. Next, when the Sailor Senshi of the past
stopped their attempts of capturing the small princess over and over again.
Granted, their Lord Rubeus had obtained a great victory destroying that
annoying Sailor Moon, but since that time, they hadn't been able to accomplish
more. Despite their competition among them to see who would be Rubeus' lover,
they were also aware of what he was capable of doing to them if they failed one
more time.
Rubeus was contemplating the city of Tokyo via one of their
mirrors. Oh, how much he loathed that place! So primitive, so full of human
garbage! But worse of all, that place was the residence of those Senshi. How
much he would enjoy having them in his hands, so he could torture them slowly
and painfully, to bring them one step close to their demise, only to let them
heal and start the process all over again, until they begged him to kill them.
Savoring those thoughts for a few moments more, Rubeus
switched mental tracks to focus on the task at hand. This was his last chance
at capturing the Rabbit, so he had to do something spectacular, something that
would leave no doubt of his victory. Something that would crush those
meddlesome Senshi once and for all. Something…
In that moment, Rubeus finally knew what to do. It was time
to show this loathsome world the true power of the Dark Moon Family, but more
so, the awesome power he, Rubeus, had at his disposition. Looking at the
mirror, he smirked; yes, his new plan would have to be carefully considered,
and it was possible that one or more of the Sisters would die in the execution.
But what mattered to him the lives of those incompetents? If they died, more
the better. They were a nuisance at best, and an obstacle at worse in the long
run. If none survived, then all the glory would be his!
Refining the details of his plan, Rubeus turned and headed
to his quarters. The next day would be the day… the day he would finally
capture the Rabbit, destroy those pesky Senshi and perhaps, get rid of those
four incompetents. All in one felt sweep.
* * *
*
Mamoru tossed on his bed one more time, sleep eluding him.
He hadn't been able to have a decent night's sleep since… that day.
Once more, the memories of the last month came back to haunt
him. The day he asked Motoki's sister to play the part of his girlfriend had
been one of the worst ones of his life. But that hadn't compared to that
fateful day when, returning from college, he turned on his television and saw
that news flash. That had been only a confirmation, since during the battle
with that droid, he felt Usagi's pain and despair… but he hadn't gone to help her;
he had to protect Chibi-Usa! He had been fairly certain that Usagi was safe…
that is, until three days later, when his link with her suddenly ceased to
exist. The pain had been unbearable, but there was nothing he could have done.
The nightmares that started the whole tragedy had stopped
the next day, but that was little consolation. He hadn't said a thing to the
Senshi regarding them, since now was a moot point. When the nightmares stopped,
he figured out that those dreams had been a trap from the enemy, designed to
separate him from Usagi… and it had worked, thanks to his cooperation. From
that day on, he became a shadow of his former self. He hardly ate, and went out
just for school and to fight with the Senshi… but the rest of the time he spent
it on his apartment.
What was the case of going out, if the most important thing
in the whole world for him was gone forever, thanks to his idiocy? For
countless hours, he had punished himself ruthlessly, always reminding himself
that, after what he had gone through with Beryl, he should have known that it
was a trap. But he was so scared… scared that those dreams were true.
It had taken him days of self-inspection, but he finally
deduced what forced him to break up with Usagi. Those dreams were only a way to
force his most inner fears to the surface… capital among them the fear of being
alone once more. No, in the end, he hadn't broken with Usagi for her own sake,
but for his own. He had rationalized his actions by saying that, staying away
from her, she would be safe, and once the danger had passed, they would be
together again.
That was why [in his mind at least] he had focused all his
attention on Chibi-Usa. Somehow, she reminded him of his Usako… she had been a
way for him to keep his love for her alive, despite the way his heart broke
each time he saw her crying and begging him to tell her what had happened. And
he, like a fool, like the idiot he now saw himself being, put his 'infallible'
plan in motion… and playing right into the enemy's hands.
That state of mind reflected on his fighting style. After
the pain from the severed link receded, he focused his strength into the fights
in an almost suicidal way. No more fancy speeches, no more flourished attacks.
Each time he arrived at a fight scene, he didn't waste time with talk; instead,
he went straight for the kill. His roses were now lethal weapons, instead of
deterrents and distractions. And if the roses didn't kill the droid on the
first pass, well… there was always his cane.
In more than one occasion he had fought directly with the
droids or the Sister in charge, his attacks deadly and precise. When the fight
turned up close and personal, he attacked with berserker energy, not paying
attention to his surroundings. More than once, he was tagged by one of the
Senshi's attacks, but paid no attention to his injuries… after all, in that
state of mind the only thing that mattered was the complete destruction of the
enemy.
Once the fight was over, he just turned away and blended
with the shadows. He didn't speak with the Senshi, nor acknowledge their
presence. They were nothing more than shadows in the background, nothing to be
considered. After all, without his Usako, what was the case in talking with her
erstwhile friends? They were as guilty in his mind as himself.
His thoughts then focused on Chibi-Usa. The little girl had
taken the dead of Usagi rather harshly. For days after the news, she blamed
herself, saying that all had been her fault. That, instead of being a good
girl, she had made Usagi's last days miserable. She cried almost constantly, a
fact that worried everybody; she almost didn't eat a thing, and her health was
the main concern for all. The Tsukino family had taken the disappearance of
Usagi rather bad. Kenji, especially, blamed Mamoru for his daughter's absence…
something Mamoru knew was true, but he couldn't say a thing. Ikuko, Usagi's
mother, lost that serenity and happiness that characterized her… now, she just
existed, but didn't live. The loss of her daughter had been a severe blow. And
Shingo… well, he didn't know how to express his sorrow, becoming violent and
angry at the world. His school had even considered expulsion, but he hadn't
done a thing that warranted that… yet.
The virtual disintegration of the Tsukino family was something
that Mamoru had taken as his personal fault. He couldn't shake the thought
that, if he hadn't paid attention to those dreams, nothing would have happened.
If he had been with Usagi, making her happy instead of crushing her heart, she
would be alive now.
Finally standing up, Mamoru headed to the living room and
turned on the television. He didn't pay attention to the program, it didn't
matter. All he wanted was something to distract him long enough to sleep. The
next day he was going to take Chibi-Usa downtown in an attempt to cheer her up
a little. Besides, he didn't know what else to do.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Author's notes:
Aaaah, another chapter done! This chapter marks the end of
the educational part of the story, and now it will focus on the Action part!
Aren't you glad of it? I knew you would! ˆ_ˆ
Ok, now to the interesting news: as you all have read above,
I left open what Usagi/Serena went through during that trip in the Lucky Star.
Well, that was done on purpose! Why, you ask? Very simple, really: I'm asking
YOU, the readers and authors that read this story, to write side-stories
talking about those adventures. Send them to my e-mail address and I'll check
them out. If they are good enough, then I'll post them in a separate file; of
course, always giving due credit to the authors! You want to create a whole new
world for them to explore? No problem! Or perhaps you prefer it to be a
crossover? Great!! Just a few rules here:
1. - No Hentai, please. This is a serious story, not a way
to express the perverted side of anyone out there. Keep the stories in good
taste.
2. – There is no limit in extension. But please, don't make
just one page and say it's a story! Also, this story is going to have
Usagi/Serena paired with Mamoru, so don't pair her with someone else. Why do
you think I didn't dispose of Chibi-Usa?
3. – The stay time in your worlds can't exceed a month at
most. Why? This is a trip that takes no more than a year, so saying that
they're staying, say, TEN YEARS in one world would kill the continuity of the
story.
4. - Don't, and I emphasize, DON'T destroy the Lucky Star!
It's essential for the story, so if you consider blowing up to pieces, refrain
yourselves. Yes, Serena has now incredible potential with the Ginzuishou, but
having to resurrect the crew would be overkill, don't you think?
Well, those are all the rules to take in consideration. So,
do you think you're up to the challenge? Then go ahead! What are you waiting
for? Start writing already!
Thanks to all of you that have reviewed this story on
Fanfiction.net; your support has been the driving force that made this story
possible.
And another THANK YOU goes to my good friend Yohann
DeSabrais. Your ideas for the birth of a new solar system were invaluable!
Thanks a lot, you're a real pal!!
Ok, that's all for now… later!
Silver Tears
By: Commander Galos