DISCLAIMER:
Sailor Moon is the property of Naoko Takeuchi and other companies. I don't own her (Grrr), and this story is written with the sole purpose of entertainment without any intention of commercial gain. No copyrights infringement is intended. ((Translation: I don't have any money, so please don't sue me, I'm poor!))
What has happened before:
The battle group arrived, just in time to witness the Lucky Star's Jump Drive test going wrong. Upon activation, the ship, along with all aboard, was dragged into the time stream. Once in there, the crew of the Lucky Star, with the help of Serena and the Ginzuishou, stumbled upon the Time Gate. However, Sailor Pluto attacked without warning. After a tense confrontation between Sensei, Serena, the Senshi, Syl and Luna-F, permission was granted by Pluto for the Lucky Star to cross the Gate towards the future. A most unexpected development happened while the Star was in transit.
By all appearances, the Ethereals had been acting with the full knowledge of Queen Serenity, Serena's mother from the Silver Millennium.
* = Change of Scene
( ) = Thoughts
+ + = Computer Responses or Electronic Communications
SILVER TEARSBY
COMMANDER GALOS
CHAPTER 13: THE FUTURE ISN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE.
The space between Earth and the Moon was clear; nothing was floating in there. However, that changed all of a sudden. Out of nowhere, a vortex made of pink clouds began to form, growing in size. Then, without warning, a ship stepped out of the vortex, which closed as soon as the new arrival had crossed completely without leaving a trace of its existence.
"Well, that went better than the first time." Commented Hathaway from his station. "No vibrations threatening to rip the ship apart, no extra surprises."
"That's right. That went smoothly." Said Captain Vardeen. He then addressed the helm. "Triangulate our position and time of arrival."
"Yes sir." Said the navigation officer. After a moment, he had the data. "We are in the Earth-Moon system. According to Astrogation data, we are in the year 3001. We are right on target, sir."
Captain Vardeen acknowledged the information; he then addressed Hathaway. "Deploy orbital sensor pods and launch a few satellites. Let's see how the future looks like."
"Launching satellites and deploying sensors now, captain." Said Hathaway, working the controls on his station. "Satellites will achieve geo-synchronous orbit in five minutes."
"Understood. Engineering, status of the ship."
"All repairs completed, systems fully operational. Reactors operating at full capacity, sir." Reported the chief engineer.
"Thank you, that's reassuring." Answered the captain with a nod. "All right, let's see what we can get until we get more detailed sensor data. Put the planet on screen, helm."
"Yes, sir. On screen." Said the helm. As soon as the image appeared, more than one present gasped at the image shown. The Four Sister, who had remained on the bridge the whole time, looked down at their feet, ashamed.
The image the main screen was something was out of their worst nightmares. The planet's surface was pockmarked with craters easily visible from high orbit, their position corresponding to the main cities on the planet. What could be seen of the seas showed them a color gray instead of blue, the clouds a sickly gray as well. There was no trace of green or other colors on that image.
"Dear Lord… what happened there?" muttered the captain. "Hathaway, can we get sensor data now?"
"I… I'm starting to receive the data from the satellites now. Collating information." Said a stunned Hathaway. He worked mechanically, breathing shallowly. The wait for his information lasted only a couple of minutes, but for all present it felt like an eternity. Finally, the data appeared on his station's screen. He gulped heavily upon reading it. Finally, he talked.
"Captain… initial sensor sweep reveals no life on the planet… massive amount of ruins detected in almost all the planet's surface. No sign of technology or settlements detected. Planetary biomass… is zero. Oxygen levels barely on security ranges. High level of particles detected on the atmosphere up to 20,000 miles. Sir… the majority of the particles… is organic in origin.
"Whatever attacked, did it with enough force to blast everything in sight until only dust remained."
"How could you?" said Serena, turning around to face the Four Sisters. "Why? Why destroy the whole planet? WHY???"
"It… it was part of the battle plan." Muttered Avery in a subdued voice, not looking at Serena. "It was done in order to prevent Crystal Tokyo from receiving assistance. Nobody expected an attack… it was ridiculously easy…
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"
"We'll talk later." Said Serena. She was glad that the Senshi or Chibi-Usa weren't there at the moment; otherwise they would have attacked the sisters without a second thought. Heck, she wasn't sure if she wouldn't do it herself! Her dark thoughts were interrupted by Hathaway's next words.
"Captain? More in-depth sensor scans reveal some life signs."
"Where?" Inquired captain Vardeen.
"Japan. What used to be Tokyo. I'm also detecting some energy readings that are similar to what Ambassador Moon's crystal and our… guests at first showed concentrated in two points. Displaying tactical map now."
The image on the main screen shifted to show an aerial view of the Japanese islands. Working the magnification, Hathaway zoomed the image until the origin of those readings appeared. All on the bridge saw the ruins of what used to be a magnificent city made of crystal. In the middle of all that devastation, only one building was standing intact. Made of a quartz-like material, the imposing building reflected what little light could pass through the heavy overcast.
"This building is emitting an energy signature similar to Ambassador Moon's crystal, along with what the sensors identify as a force field. Now, if you look at this…" he then shifted the image. This time, another crystal-like building appeared, but this one was made of black crystal. "This structure is emitting an energy signature the complete opposite of the first one. It's similar to what the sisters emitted before they were cleaned."
"That's Prince Demando's fortress." Said Prisma, her voice barely a whisper. "That is where the whole operation is being controlled. That is also where the rest of the Dark Moon Family resides."
"As well as Wiseman…" muttered Avery.
"I see…" said captain Vardeen, turning around to face the Sisters and recalling what had been said in the previous tactical meetings. "So, this Wiseman and Demando are the leaders?" Catsy nodded in acknowledgement. "And Demando's brother, Saffir, is your main tactician. And the last general, what's her name… ah yes, Esmeraude, is the one that will substitute Rubeus?"
"In a nutshell, yes." Confirmed Catsy.
"Very well, then… and for the looks of things, we are alone in this venture." Commented the captain with a small sigh. "There is no way the battle group will join us due to their lack of time keys, so we can't expect support from them."
"And even then, I seriously doubt that Pluto chick would let them pass through her precious Time Gate." Commented Syl under his breath, however everybody was able to hear him.
"You may be correct ensign." Said the captain, causing Syl to blush. "In any case, it seems we'll have to go with the secondary battle plan.
"Ambassador Moon, it seems that you, the Senshi, ensigns Luna and Sylpheed will have to go down planet with a group of B.A.T.s as ground support. In the meantime, we'll go to Jupiter and mine some resources from Io and Ganymede for our automated factories to produce some battle-winged droids for space escort. I doubt the enemy has left their home planet un-defended."
"Do you think the rest of the B.A.T.s and your own security forces will be enough to take the enemy strongholds on Nemesis, captain?" inquired Serena, frowning a little. "I mean, one ship to take a whole planet?"
"I don't think we'll have to take the whole planet, ambassador." Said the security officer. "If we can take their main base and manufacturing facilities, that will be more than enough according to battle simulations." Serena just nodded, albeit reluctantly. She knew that simulations were one thing, but reality was something totally different.
"All right people, let's move out." Ordered captain Vardeen. "We have much to do, little resources and even less time. So far, we have the element of surprise on our side; let's take advantage of it for as long as we can."
* * * *
Inside Demando's fortress, in a room devoid of external light sources, a being wearing black robes was moving its skeletical hands over a floating orb. Without an external sign, a white-clad figure appeared to solidify from the shadows around. A closer inspection showed that it was a young man, perhaps in its late twenties, early thirties. Lean, well muscled, with a mane of white hair that looked almost silverish, and with a cup of red wine on his right hand, the new arrival approached the robed figure.
"What do you want to discuss with me, Wiseman? I'm busy right now." Said Prince Demando, his well cultivated, baritone voice laced with annoyance.
"I humbly apologize, your majesty." Said the Wiseman, his voice deep and cavernous. If any lesser being had heard that voice, he/she would have run away screaming in mortal terror. That voice was something that appeared to have come from the deepest pits of hell, with no empathy or emotions behind it. It was the voice of a dead person.
"We seem to have some… unexpected visitors, my liege." Continued the Wiseman. "A ship has arrived, and its crew have ill-met intentions against you." Roaming its hands over the sphere, the Wiseman conjured an image of the Lucky Star orbiting the planet.
"That ship doesn't look like a threat to me." Commented Demando, taking a sip of wine. "Send one of our crystal ships and destroy it."
"It won't be so easy, my liege." Said Wiseman, its stance unchanged. "If I humbly suggest you see who is onboard that alien ship…" The view then shifted to the interior of the ship, focusing on a group of people heading to what appeared to be a shuttle. Demando examined the new image with great interest and scorn directed to the people depicted on it.
The conjured image showed the Senshi talking among themselves, following a blonde young woman who was escorted by an armored man and a cat-like figure. For a moment he thought the creature was one of his droids, but the lack of a gem with the Dark Moon insignia dispelled the illusion. When the woman with shoulder-length hair turned around, Demando hold his breath. Those eyes… those blue eyes… And the face…
Before he could question it, Wiseman answered the non-spoken question. "Yes, my liege. That woman is a young version of Neo-Queen Serenity. They came from the past to stop us."
"That meddling Pluto…" Muttered Demando. "We should have killed her when we had the chance." His thoughts then shifted to the young Serenity. "But this one… it seems that my prayers have been answered."
"Yes, my prince. Our future would be secured if you were to take this one for you, as you have always wanted to do with the Neo-Queen." Commented Wiseman.
Demando didn't answered, his full attention focused on the image. When he saw that the object of his desire was boarding a shuttle with her companions, a cruel smile graced his chiseled features. "If there is nothing else for you to tell me, I'll go and prepare a… proper welcome.
"It won't do to be unprepared to receive my bride-to-be." Without waiting for an answer, Demando returned to the shadows and left the Wiseman. Once alone, Wiseman added.
"Yes, Prince Demando. Prepare yourself, because soon you will do what I have planned all along."
* * * *
The shuttle landed in the middle of what appeared to have been a park in the past. Where trees, a lake and a children playground once stood, only scorched earth and twisted metal remains stood. As soon as they disembarked, the Senshi took positions around Serena and Chibi-Usa. She, for her part, ignored them and took a look around. While she did that, Syl and Luna-F were busy activating the B.A.T.s and lowering the cargo ramp respectively.
"I've seen some ruins in other planets," murmured Serena, "but it's worse when it is your home planet." She then addressed Chibi-Usa, who was holding to the hem of her jacket with both hands; the little girl was trembling noticeably. "Dear, can you guide us to the palace? It's not wise to remain here." Chibi-Usa only nodded, unable to speak.
It was in that moment that Syl and Luna-F joined them. Following them were two 'silver commanders' [as he had dubbed the silver energy-charged units] with an escort of eight extra units, two of each elemental power. Syl was wearing a more heavily armored battle suit, while Luna-F used light body armor; she was busy scanning the area with a portable sensor unit.
"No signs of life so far." Commented the felinoid, closing the sensor. "Not even bodies… I don't mind saying it, but this place really gives me the creeps." Jupiter and Venus nodded in agreement.
"In that case, let's move." Said Tuxedo Kamen, staring daggers in Syl's direction, not happy of seeing the young officer so close to Serena.
Nobody said a word during the walk, the B.A.T.s spread in front of them scanning for troublemakers. They only stared at the remains surrounding them, mute testament of the devastation that was worldwide. The only cause of alarm came from when Chibi-Usa left the group and ran towards the palace, ignoring the shouts of the group. They hurried behind her, but she was too fast. It was until they arrived to what seemed to have been the main avenue towards the palace that their first surprise appeared… literally.
The group was in the middle of the avenue when, suddenly, a figure took form in front of them; the Senshi immediately assumed battle stances as well as Syl who aimed his weapons at the new arrival. Meanwhile, Mercury and Luna-F opened their respective units and began a scan.
The figure was a tall man with black hair, dressed in a violet tuxedo; on his face was a white mask. His image, however, had a milky quality to it; and even more shocking was the fact that he was transparent!
"Greetings, travelers." The man finally spoke, unfazed by the other's reactions, nor by the arrival of the B.A.T.s that surrounded him. "I welcome you to the Crystal Palace, albeit I wish it was under better circumstances."
"Who are you, and what do you want? And where is Chibi-Usa?" asked Mars, preparing to blast the strange man if he moved in the wrong way.
"I mean you no harm, and the one you call Chibi-Usa is safe inside the palace. My name is Endymion, king of Crystal Tokyo. Now please, follow me. It's unsafe to remain outside of the barrier." He then began to walk towards the palace.
"That man isn't a man at all." Said Mercury, looking at the results from her computer. "That is only a projection, a hologram!"
"Confirmed." Said Luna-F, closing her sensor suite. "A two-way communication hologram unit, able to mimic the movements of the operator. Not bad, the guys back at the Star would love to study this system."
"Whatever. Let's get inside and retrieve Chibi-Usa." Said Serena, motioning with her hand to the others to follow her. When they arrived at the barrier, they hesitated for a moment, but it was Syl who showed it was safe for them to cross when he walked through it without apparent damage. Shortly thereafter the others followed him. As a security measure, Serena and Syl ordered the B.A.T.s to remain outside and secure the perimeter.
Once inside the palace, the group followed Endymion's image through a series of corridors. They watched awed the rich tapestries and art samples displayed all over the place, but equally puzzled by the lack of activity. If that was the last secure place in the planet, where were the survivors… if there were any?
After a few minutes, they arrived at an empty chamber. Once they were in the middle, Endymion turned around and faced them. "I am terribly sorry for all the troubles we have caused to you, but I'm afraid it was necessary."
"Where is Chibi-Usa? You said she was safe!" inquired Venus, narrowing her gaze.
"Yes, she is. And she is right here." Said Endymion, turning his face to one side; a part of the floor opened, and a platform began to emerge. On it, the sleeping figure of Chibi-Usa was there for all to see. As soon as they saw her, Mercury and Luna-F hurried to her side, their computer and medi-kit at the ready respectively. While they were examining her, Endymion continued talking.
"My wife and myself were extremely worried when Small Lady had been whisked to the past, but we were aware that was the only way for her to be safe. I thank you all for taking care of her and protecting her from the invaders."
"She's safe everybody. She's only asleep." Said Mercury, her diagnosis confirmed by Luna-F a second later.
Serena nodded in their direction, then addressed Endymion. "I can't say that it was a total pleasure, but it was interesting to say the very least. Now, I hope you can answer a question for me." When Endymion nodded, she asked. "Why? Why sent her to the past to steal the Ginzuishou?"
"I'm afraid it couldn't be helped." Said Endymion, lowering his gaze. "You see, the Ginzuishou of this time is lost. It is the only thing that can stop the Dark Moon Family and restore the planet, as well as save my wife. When Small Lady learned of it, apparently she thought that she could take yours and use it. I apologize for that."
"I see." Said Serena. She then looked at Tuxedo Kamen, and then looked at Endymion. Closing her eyes and humming to herself, she began to think. Silence reigned in the chamber for a few minutes until she finally opened her eyes. "And tell me Endymion… do you happen to know who sent the orders to Mamoru to break up our relationship?"
"Unfortunately, yes…" said Endymion, looking ashamed. "I did it." His answer drew a collective gasp, especially from Tuxedo Kamen.
"But why? Why do that?" asked the caped defender. Shock laced his voice when he finally recognized the voice on his dreams. It was exactly the same as Endymion's!
"Because it was necessary. As it was, your mutual love could have been crushed under the circumstances. Only by bearing the scars of true love would you two be able to face this menace."
"I see… so, all this time, during the last millennia, you thought I was weak." Said Serena, her face expressionless. "You really never trusted me, only saw the means to become king of your planet."
"No, that's not it! I have always loved you, I'd never hurt you!" said Endymion, his eyes wide with shock behind the mask.
"I don't know, your actions say otherwise." Said Serena. She then looked at the sleeping Chibi-Usa, her face softening. However, her face grew stern when she looked at Endymion once more. "And… when were you going to tell us who Chibi-Usa really was?" seeing the confused expression on the projection's face, she added. "I mean… when were you going to tell us that she's your daughter? Or even more, that she's my DAUGHTER??"
"SAY WHAT???????" the Senshi, as well as Syl and Luna-F screamed simultaneously.
"How did you know?" asked a shocked Endymion, who took a step back. "The glamour…"
"Was useless as soon as I returned." Cleared Serena. She then addressed the Senshi. "Remember that more than once, people said that she and I looked like sisters, but something made us forget about it as soon as the question was asked? Well, the answer is simple.
"She was using a glamour, similar to the one we have when we transform. And she still has it, by the way. It's designed to prevent people to make the connection between her and me, forcing everybody to think we weren't related."
"But… how did you know that?" asked a supremely surprised Mars. She should have known! Her own abilities should have identified it!
"I didn't know at first, Rei. However, thanks to the training I underwent during my stay at the Ethereal Citadel, my abilities have grown to the point where I could notice it at first glance. Then it was child's play to pierce it with a small burst from the Ginzuishou. I've known since I returned and saw her again." Finished Serena.
"Wow… who could have thought?" commented Syl, blinking rapidly to dispel the fog in his mind. "Now that you mention it… it's quite obvious. No wonder you changed your attitude towards her so radically."
"That's right Syl; once I figured it out, I couldn't think of harming her. Once revealed, the glamour loses its effect." Cleared Serena. "That, added with the fact that this man calls himself Endymion, and since Endymion is Mamoru's past personality, and if you add the fact that every time she got stressed, a small crescent moon appeared in Chibi-Usa's forehead and launched a tremendous amount of silver energy, along with the way Endymion looks at her just confirmed my suspicions.
"Chibi-Usa is mine and Mamoru's future daughter."
"I… never thought you could figure it out." Commented Endymion.
"That's the crux of the problem, it seems." Said Luna-F, standing next to Serena. "You think so high of yourself, that you never thought Serena has a brain! Nobody does, for that matter! You all think you're so much better than her, that you forget she's a sentient, living being with feelings!" added the felinoid, gesturing with her arm to point the Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen. "Boy, I'm glad she went with Syl that day…"
"I'm sorry to say this, but I agree with Luna here." Added Syl, sighing. "Heck, even Chibi-Usa never respected Serena, for what she told us during her stay with us."
"Who are you to judge us? What gives you that right?" inquired Endymion, furious at the comments. "And why do you insist in calling her Serena? Her name is Usagi!"
"Who are we? Well, we are the people that helped her to grow up into the person you have in front of you." Started Syl, smirking. Endymion bristled at seeing his smirk, but he just closed her fists in impotent fury.
"And we have the right because she's been with us more time than she's been with her so-called friends." Continued Luna-F, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "We supported her from day one, and went through much together since then."
"And as for my name, that's how I'm now known in the Agency. I chose it myself." Finished Serena. "The Usagi you all knew was gone the night Rubeus attacked me. From the ashes of the ditz, the klutz and naïve Usagi that everybody barely stood, I was born."
The Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen and Endymion looked at them, shock and sadness evident in their expressions. Nobody noticed that Chibi-Usa had been awake and had listened to part of what Serena and her friends had said. Equally unnoticed, a pair of tears ran down the little girl's cheeks.
"All right, enough of this." Said Serena. "Take us to where the queen is. I promised Chibi-Usa that I'd do my best to help her mother, and I intend to keep that promise."
Endymion only nodded to her and began to walk to the exit, the rest beginning to follow him. When she walked next to her, Serena noticed Chibi-Usa was awake, as well as the tears. Gently, she embraced the little girl, at the same time removing the tears with her thumbs. "What's the matter, honey?"
"You… you don't like them anymore? You hate them? You hate me?" asked Chibi-Usa, her voice trembling.
"I don't hate them, dear. I can't hate them anymore than I could hate you. You all only did what you thought was right at the time. Granted, I didn't like it and still don't, but that doesn't mean I hate you." Helping Chibi-Usa to stand up, Serena added. "Now, let's go. Lets wake up your mommy, ok?" Chibi-Usa smiled a little and nodded; taking Serena's hand, they followed the rest to where Neo-Queen Serenity was trapped.
After a few minutes' walking, they finally arrived to another chamber. In the middle of it stood a crystal formation. And discernible from the outside, the figure of a woman was seen trapped in its interior. Even when they stood closer to the crystal, the figure remained unclear.
Immediately, Mercury and Luna-F began to scan the object, while Serena summoned the Ginzuishou and extended her senses. The rest remained on the background, silently waiting for an answer.
"I can't make heads or tails of these readings." Said Luna-F, frustrated. "I can't get a clear scan with this thing!"
"It seems to be some kind of solidified energy field." Said Mercury, busy tapping at the Mercury computer and checking the displays on her visor. "I can't get a reading from the person inside this thing. The energy blocks my scans."
"I can't get through it either." Said Serena, opening her eyes. "But I have the feeling that the woman inside is alive. Suspended animation or hibernation, I can't tell."
"But you can free my mommy, can't you?" asked Chibi-Usa, who was holding Tuxedo Kamen's hand. Previously, she had tried to hold Endymion's hand, but much to her disappointment, her hand went through the image, unable to grasp anything.
"I'll see what I can do, honey." Said Serena. "Luna, Mercury, stand back." Once the path was clear, she closed her eyes and concentrated. Immediately, the Ginzuishou began to glow a silver light, gaining strength with each passing second. The glow soon enveloped the crystal prison, remaining like that for a few minutes.
Finally, the glow subsided… revealing an intact crystal and an exhausted Serena. As one, Tuxedo Kamen and Syl hurried to the blonde's side and hold her before she could collapse. Looking at them with half-closed eyelids, she answered their mute question. "I'm fine, just tired. That crystal… I've never seen anything like it. It just absorbed the Ginzuishou's energy without breaking. I wish Sensei was here… he could have broken it easily." With a sigh, she closed her eyes, falling unconscious.
"Is there a place where she can rest?" inquired Syl, looking directly at Endymion.
"There are the guest rooms down the hall. She can rest there." Said the hologram, pointing in said direction.
Tuxedo Kamen and Syl were about to head in that way when they noticed that each was holding Serena. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment, until finally Syl nodded and handed the unconscious blonde to the tuxedo-clad defender. With great care, Tuxedo Kamen carried Serena in his arms, closely followed by the Senshi. While he left the room, Endymion walked towards the crystal prison until he was standing next to it; then, he knelt in front of it, as if praying.
Seeing that, Syl and Luna-F decided to follow the rest. Once in the corridor, the felinoid asked Syl. "Why did you let that creep take Sere?"
"Because of his eyes." Said Syl. Seeing Luna-F's questioning gaze, he expanded his explanation. "If you had seen his eyes, Luna… the guy is deeply in love with Serena. For a moment, I put myself in his shoes… the guy was duped by his own future self into leaving her, and that knowledge almost destroyed him. He wants to correct his past mistakes, and me interfering would have been a mistake. No, better to let them be; if something comes out of it, fine. If not, well, we've done what we can. We can't ask for something more."
Luna-F mulled over those words, saying nothing. In silence, they went to where Serena was resting.
Unnoticed by anybody, Chibi-Usa had left the room and was heading to the palace's exterior.
* * * *
Chibi-Usa walked down the empty corridors, her heart in turmoil. She tried to grasp the meaning of what she had learned, but her young mind couldn't grasp completely the concepts. Finally reaching the exterior, she began to walk aimlessly, deep in thought. Unfortunately, her wandering took her outside the protection of the force field surrounding the palace.
Taking a deep sigh, Chibi-Usa looked around her; with little surprise, she found herself in what was her private playground. Noticing a still functional swing, she went and sat on it. She then continued to think.
Her mind recalled the fateful day when she lost her mother's Ginzuishou. She had been tired of always being told how immature and irresponsible she was, so she had decided to use the crystal to change herself in an attempt to become more like her mother. However, the moment her hands touched it, the crystal pulsed for a moment… and disappeared.
Even worse, it was that very same day that the Dark Moon Family attacked. Her mother became frantic trying to locate the Ginzuishou. Scared, Chibi-Usa ran out of the palace, only to be confronted by Rubeus. She wasn't sure what happened next; only the image of her mother being hit by a blast of dark energy and the desperate attempts of the Senshi to protect her remained of those chaotic moments. The frenetic run towards Sailor Pluto when she opened a time portal… the hurried instructions of the time Senshi for her to retrieve the Ginzuishou from the past, and not to tell anybody whom she was, nor that she came from the future.
Her thoughts then shifted to the time she spent in the past, running away from the Dark Moon emissaries. The battles the Senshi of that time fought to protect her… the way she treated Usagi… the month after the blonde's disappearance… the way the girls crumbled after that… their imprisonment after Rubeus captured them… the young woman now known as Serena rescuing them all with her two friends' help… everything they learned onboard the ship that returned Serena to them…
All those memories clouded by her own sense of guilt. She couldn't help herself, the emotional baggage too much for her. Chibi-Usa began to cry, unable to stop. She didn't know how much time she spent in that position; she came out of her self-recriminations when something cold touched her hand. Surprised, she looked up only to stare at the unblinking 'eye' of one of the silver commanders, flanked by four extra units. If she didn't know better, Chibi-Usa would have sworn that the strange robot was asking her what happened.
Sniffing, Chibi-Usa rubbed her eyes to clear the last traces of tears from them. "You were worried for me?" seeing the robot still 'staring' at her, the little girl sighed. "It's my fault, you know? If I hadn't tried to take the Ginzuishou here, nothing would have happened. My mommy would still be here with me, Serena would still be Usagi, Mamo-chan and her would still be together… it is all my fault."
Then, to her surprise, the B.A.T. gently placed a metallic paw on her lap, the lens glowing a soft silver light. The simple gesture made her feel a little better. "Thanks. You remind me a little of Luna Ball, you know?"
As if those words were a summoning, the round black ball joined them in that instant. The magical construct and the cybernetic soldier 'looked' at each other for a moment, none making a move. After a minute of silent contemplation, the B.A.T. retired its paw from Chibi-Usa's lap, which was then occupied by Luna Ball. The little girl sniffled a little more, embracing the ball, always under the scrutiny of the silver commander.
She was still deep in thought when, all of a sudden, the commander jumped in front of her, standing up on its forelegs; the other units immediately assumed the same position, flanking Chibi-Usa. A second later a cold wind swept the area, causing Chibi-Usa to shiver and embrace Luna Ball tighter. Then, to her total surprise and horror, a black portal opened in front and above her; when it closed, a robed figure stood in its place. The figure appeared to be seated in a lotus position, its hands roaming over a color-shifting orb of pale light.
"I can help you." Said the new arrival, its voice causing Chibi-Usa to shiver. "Everybody has betrayed you, hate you. You don't have to take that; inside you lay the power to show them that you are not a baby. You can make them pay for their harshness. You can help your mommy if you embrace that dormant power.
"Let me help you with that. I can bring that power out. All you have to do is join me."
The little girl stood transfixed, torn by indecision. Unknown to her, the commander was sending a distress signal to its operators.
Serena was resting on the bed of one of the rooms indicated by Endymion. Fortunately, the room was big enough to let the others stay with her. While she slept, Tuxedo Kamen hold her inert hand in both of his, kneeling next to her unmoving body. On the far side of the room, the Senshi were talking with Syl and Luna-F.
"So, what do we do now?" inquired Jupiter, casting a glance towards the couple.
"We can't count on the queen's help, that's for sure." Commented Luna-F, who was leaning on a wall with her arms crossed under her breasts.
"Looks like, as soon as Serena recovers, we'll follow the battle plan." Said Syl, who was checking his modified plasma rifle. "Once we take care of them, and as soon as the Star returns, we'll let the science staff get a shot at breaking that crystal cocoon."
"And what makes you think your people will succeed?" asked a miffed Mars. "If Usagi couldn't break it, what chance do simple scientists have??"
"So far, our tactics and operational methods have worked better than anything you've done to date… Pyro." Said Luna-F, smirking. Her comment caused the Senshi of Mars to bristle. But before she could say a thing, the felinoid added. "Face it girl, we've done a far better job in this few days than you in all the time you've been battling. And by the way, why haven't you washed those marks from your clothes?" she then pointed to the bloodstains on Mars' gloves.
Those last words deflated Mars' anger. Looking to her right, she said. "We can't. No matter what we do, they don't go away…" she remembered her frantic attempts at washing the blood from her gloves. Even after she de-transformed and transformed back, the stains remained. The same had happened with the rest.
His check finished, Syl placed the rifle in the holder on his back. Sighing, he said. "I have a theory, but I can't confirm it."
"And what is it?" asked Mercury.
"Well, if I'm right, those… marks are more like stigmata than anything else." Seeing the puzzled expressions around him, he continued. "It's just an idea, mind you, so I could be wrong, but this is what I think.
"In your case Mars, you are the one that literally pushed Serena way. Perhaps not by direct actions, but it seems like it to me. Those stains on your hands are a reminder of that.
"You Venus, you talk about love. But isn't friendship another aspect of love? And when you talked against Serena, you were denying the very thing you predicate. That's why you have those marks around your mouth.
"Jupiter… in your case, you are supposed to be her protector, her 'strong arm'. However, when the time came, you literally walked away from her. Hence, the stains on your boots.
"Mercury… you are the brains of the team. Then again, you used that intelligence to rationalize your group's decision to leave Serena to her own means. Therefore, the stains on the tiara are a reminder of your actions.
"For Tuxedo Kamen, or Mamoru, or Endymion, whatever… the guy ripped Serena's heart apart, denying his own feelings to her, hardening his heart against her anguish and pleas. That's why the stains are in his heart's area.
"And as for the cats… well, this one is a wild shot. If I got her history right, Serena is the reincarnation of the Moon Princess, right? And they're supposedly her advisors. However, with their own inaction, and past criticism against her, they 'betrayed' their princess, so to say. Hence, the marks on their sigils.
"Once again, these are ideas that occurred to me for the last couple of days. I could be wrong, you know?"
"Wow… that's very profound Syl." Said Luna-F, impressed.
Nobody said a word after Syl's explanation. Even Tuxedo Kamen, who had listened without wanting, had to agree. However, their musings were cut short rather abruptly. Without any warning, Serena opened her eyes and screamed.
"Chibi-Usa!! NOO!!!" And before anybody could do or say a thing, she bolted out of the bed and ran out of the room as fast as her legs could carry her. Even more, a second after she left the room, Syl's control armband began to beep. Without thinking, Syl examined the small screen on the armband and read the printed message that appeared on it.
"The enemy is at the front door! The girl, Chibi-Usa is in danger!" in unison with Luna-F he ran after Serena, readying his rifle.
The door hadn't closed behind them when the Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen finally reacted and went after them, a cold sweat appearing on their foreheads.
Chibi-Usa stood immobile, too scared to even think clearly. All her senses were screaming at her to run away and as fast as she could from that creature, but her body was too numbed by terror to move; all she could do was watch what happened.
The silver commander, as well as the other four B.A.T.s took defensive positions in front of the defenseless girls. Once in place, they attacked at the same time. Standing on their forelegs and aiming their front paws, gouts of fire, lightning bolts, orange energy beams, streams of ice-cold water and beams of silver energy converged towards Wiseman…
…And were deflected effortlessly by his dark energy shield.
Without warning, black lightning erupted from Wiseman's sphere. The lightning bolts' aim was true, hitting the B.A.T.s and sprawling them all over the area, sparks coming out of their metal bodies.
"Pathetic creatures." Commented Wiseman, floating undisturbed. "Now, come with me girl, it's time for you to gain your true power."
"GET AWAY FROM HER!! CHIBI-USA, RUN!!!" Upon hearing her name, Chibi-Usa turned in the direction of the voice. And to her surprise, she saw Serena running out of the palace in her direction, moon sigil glowing almost blindingly. In an eye blink, the blond stood in front of Chibi-Usa, arms extended. "Chibi-Usa, get inside the palace, now! I'll deal with this monster!"
"Aaaah, the moon princess is here." Said Wiseman, his hands moving all over his sphere in a different pattern. "This makes my work easier."
"Your work will be harder than you can imagine…" muttered Usagi. Without warning, she summoned the Ginzuishou. Aiming it in an instant, she let loose a huge silver bolt. But to her utter shock, the energy washed over Wiseman's shield, leaving him unscratched. Breathing heavily, Serena dropped to her knees, exhausted. Her previous efforts in trying to break the crystal prison had drained heavily her energy reserves so she had really not enough power to handle Wiseman; however, that wasn't going to stop her.
It was in that moment that Syl and Luna-F emerged from the palace. While the felinoid raced towards he friend, Syl dropped to one knee and aimed his plasma rifle, firing as soon as he had a firing solution. But to his shock and disgust, the blast was stopped by the palace's shield, forcing him to waste precious seconds to find another spot… seconds he didn't have, and he knew it.
Noticing the arrival of her friend, Serena spared some much-needed air to say. "Luna… take Chibi-Usa… inside."
Luna-F didn't waste time and air to answer, instead she adjusted her trajectory to grab the terrified girl and bolt back inside. Unfortunately, Wiseman had heard Serena's plea as well; another dark lightning bolt raced from his sphere towards the felinoid, too fast for her to avoid. With a roar, Luna-F was sent sprawling next to the B.A.T.s, twitching as soon as she stopped.
It was at that moment that the Senshi finally came out of the palace; assessing the situation, the girls immediately launched their attacks. Unfortunately, they had the same results as the robots.
Not wanting to waste more time, Wiseman ignored them. Tendrils of darkness emerged from his sphere, immediately enveloping both Serena and Chibi-Usa.
"LEAVE THEM ALONE!!" screamed Syl, once more taking aim. He set his rifle to continued firing and let it loose. But once more, the results were the same.
Once his prisoners were secured inside his force field, Wiseman finally addressed the people gathered. "Your time has come to an end. The Dark Moon Family is victorious now." Then, without fanfare, he disappeared, taking with him the moon princess and her future daughter.
Silence reigned in the battle zone for a few minutes, everybody too shocked by recent events. Without a word, Syl went next to Luna-F and checked her. Satisfied that she was only stunned and recuperating on her own, he examined the B.A.T.s next. Fortunately, Wiseman's attack only damaged them superficially, their internal self-repair mechanisms already fixing them.
"What now?" asked Luna-F, her voice coarse.
"What else?" said Syl, replacing the empty clip from his rifle. "We're going to rescue them." The Senshi met his words with approving nods.
* * * *
The Lucky Star had arrived at Jupiter, achieving orbit next to Io. For the last hour, specially designed shuttles had gone to both that Jovian satellite and Ganymede to harvest some much-needed resources. The operation was proceeding smoothly and the harvested resources were being continuously beamed to the ship, where its automated factories were converting them into useful weapons and items.
Captain Vardeen listened to the latest reports and nodded, satisfied. He then addressed Luna-C and Artemis, who were at his feet. "We'll be ready to continue in another three hours."
Artemis nodded, turning his head to his left and smiling at the captain. Luna-C, however, just sighed. Seeing that, the white moon cat addressed her. "Come on Luna, cheer up! They will be fine, you'll see!"
"He's right, you know?" added the captain. He still felt strange talking to a couple of cats, but ignored the feeling. "Ambassador Moon pointed it quite well. She couldn't be constantly worried for you two, so it's best that you remain with us."
"I know." Said a dejected Luna-C. "But I can't help it. It's been so long since I lost her… I just want to be by her side, that's all."
Artemis sighed once more and placed a comforting paw on her back, causing the captain to smile. Through the grapevine he had learned of what Luna-F had been doing with the white cat, but he knew his crew. He was absolutely sure that she wasn't pursuing any relationship with Artemis; she only wanted to make Luna-C jealous. And it seemed that it was working better than even she expected, he was certain. Both moon cats had been seen talking quietly in one of the lounge rooms, and it appeared that something was coming out of all that. The captain watched their interactions until his security officer interrupted his musings.
"Captain, sensors are detecting strange echoes in the vicinity. However, I can't pinpoint them."
"Check the equipment." Ordered the captain. He had a gut feeling all of a sudden, and he didn't like it one bit.
The security officer ran a few diagnostics on his console. After a minute, he said. "Check complete, equipment working at one hundred percent. The computer is trying to filter the signals, but there's some interference from Jupiter's ionosphere."
"Do what you can." Said the captain. He then addressed Luna-C. "Go fetch one of the Sisters. She might know what's going on." The black moon cat nodded and bolted out of the bridge, Artemis looking at her with worry-filled eyes. She had been gone for a few minutes when the security officer talked again.
"Sir, the echoes have separated, one is heading towards Ganymede, the other towards Io!"
"Communications, contact the shuttles! Order them to return immediately!" Touching a button on his armchair, he contacted one of the teleport rooms. "Get ready to beam up the shuttle's crews!"
There was a tense waiting on the bridge, everybody at their stations. It was when Luna-C returned with Catsy in tow when another report came from the communications officer. "Captain, shuttle 3 from Io reports contact!"
"Patch it on the main screen!" ordered the captain. The image on the screen shifted from Jupiter's landscape to the images relayed from shuttle 3. His muscles tensed at what he saw. The image of a dark crystal ship similar to Rubeus' was seen approaching the shuttle. Then, without warning, black lightning bolts were launched from the enemy ship's spikes, striking the defenseless vessel. The image shifted crazily for a moment before static filled the main screen before shifting to Jupiter once more.
"Sir… shuttle 3 has been destroyed." Reported the security officer. "No survivors."
"Relay the following message to the remaining shuttles: set ships on autopilot and prepare to be beamed aboard." Order the captain, his fists gripping the arms of his command chair until his knuckles were white. He then addressed Catsy. "What else can you tell me about those ships?"
"They are manned by droids." Said Catsy. "The only manned ships are the ones for Dark Moon high echelons."
Captain Vardeen nodded at the news. They strangely satisfied him, since he could order the total destruction of the attacking vessels without remorse. Addressing his security officer, he ordered. "Catalogue those echoes like enemies. Sound red alert, and prepare for battle."
"Yes captain." Immediately, the bridge's lights shifted to a red color, while sirens began to blare all over the ship. An automated recording relayed the message. "Red alert. All hands to battle stations. Red alert."
"How many echoes are out there?" inquired the captain.
"Sensors indicate… four… six… nine. Captain… there are nine enemy vessels now converging in our position." Said the officer.
Taking a deep breath, captain Vardeen prepared mentally for the upcoming battle. He was confident that the modifications done to his ship's shields and weapons would work, but against such odds… glancing at the now reunited moon cats, he just said.
"I think you would have been safer with Ambassador Moon. I'm sorry."
* * * *
Prince Demando took a sip from his wine, faintly smiling at the images conjured by Wiseman. He smiled even more when his dark crystal ship destroyed one of the shuttles. As soon as the droids detected that the vermin piloting them were transported out of the remaining shuttles, the ships changed course and headed towards the big ship.
"That's the end of that garbage." Said the prince, standing up; his action dispelled the image.
"Yes, my liege. The Dark Moon Family's victory is now complete." Commented the Wiseman. "What is your command?"
"Take care of the rest, Wiseman. I have more… pressing matters to attend." Without a word, Prince Demando vanished in a flurry of shadows.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Author's notes:
Well, another chapter done! I hope that the two cliffhangers I left in here are enough to let you all wanting more. If not… well, then I'd failed, and that means that I'll shelve this story.
If you like this chapter, you all know the drill: REVIEW!!! The fate of this story lay in your hands!
The next chapter will be more action-oriented, depicting the rescue efforts from part of the Senshi and Serena's two friends, and the Lucky Star's desperate battle for survival. Mmmm, I wonder if I'll destroy it or not? Decisions, decisions…
Thanks are in order to all of those who have reviewed this story so far. And for those who wanted me to get rid of Chibi-Usa, sorry to disappoint you, but that's where the story took me.
And once again, a very special THANK YOU goes to Yohann DeSabrais, my best online friend, editor and pre-reader. Your comments and support are invaluable in the making of this story. Thanks pal!!!
Ok… that's all for now. Later!!