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:
Answers have been given by Sensei after the successful completion of the
different missions by both Serena's group and the Lucky Star. It turns out
that Wiseman is a renegade Ethereal bent in destroying the whole of Existence,
and his next step towards that goal is to destroy the past. What is worse,
it's that Chibi-Usa has become the key for such a horrible event.
* = Change of Scene
( ) = Thoughts
+ + = Computer Responses or Electronic Communications
SILVER TEARS
BY
COMMANDER GALOS
CHAPTER 18: MEDITATIONS IN PAST TENSE.
Once again, Serena found herself in observation deck 3, deep in thought. The
meeting that had ended scarcely an hour ago had answered a few questions, but
it left her with a whole lot more. And boiling them down, she ended up with
one basic question: What to do now? While pondering said question, her gaze
wandered through the sight on the window. At the moment, the image of a
devastated Earth was clear, its gray clouds swirling and turning, almost
meshing with the gray-colored ground and oceans. It was truly a depressing
sight.
Her musings were interrupted by the sound of the access door opening; turning
around slightly, she saw the entrance of Sailor Mars from the corner of her
right eye. Returning her attention to the sight in front of her, she asked.
"What are you doing here, Rei? You should be resting."
Mars didn't answer immediately, instead walking towards Serena until she was
standing next to the blond. They remained silent for a few minutes, both
immersed in their personal thoughts. Finally, Mars answered the previous
question. "I couldn't sleep. And I could say the same thing about you."
"Same answer here." Responded Serena. "This deck is a little far from the
residential sector. And since you are here, that only means you want to talk
with me. So, what can I do for you?"
"I'm so sorry...." Muttered Mars, looking down at her feet. "I... I don't know
how to apologize to you for all the things I said to you back home. It's just
that... I was so frustrated! You always had the potential to be someone great,
and I despaired seeing you so... so..."
"So immature? So clumsy? Such a foolish kid, only focused on ice cream and
gossip? Always complaining and letting everybody down?" finished Serena the
phrase, her expression kept neutral.
"NO!!! You never let us down!" denied Mars vehemently. "How many times it was
you who saved us? How many times it was YOU who pulled us all from the fire at
risk of life and limb, without asking for anything in return?
"If... if someone is guilty, it's me. I'm the one who wanted to change you."
At this point, Mars had tears rolling down her face, but she paid them no
heed. "I... I was so blind. I wanted to turn you into someone you were never
meant to. I admit it. I was so jealous of you. You always had the facility of
making friends, to have everybody liking you, to always look the good in
people... things I always wanted to do myself.
"Oh Gods Serena, I'm so sorry!!! Please, don't hate me!" unable to continue,
feeling the weight of her emotions about to crush her, Mars embraced herself
in an attempt to ward off the sudden chill that permeated not her body, but
her soul. So, it came as a total shock when a pair of arms embraced her
tenderly, offering their support. Through her tears, Mars noticed it was
Serena, looking at her with tenderness and understanding.
"It's okay Rei, it's okay. Let it all out." Taking the invitation and opening
the floodgates of her emotions, Mars embraced Serena, letting her tears wash
away her insecurities. None knew exactly how much time elapsed before the
emotional storm finally subsided, but in the end it was a more serene and
centered Mars who looked at Serena.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it, you needed it. I know I did when I first joined the
Agency." Explained Serena with a small smile. Walking a step back, but keeping
her hands on Mars' shoulders, she spoke aloud. "Well, are you going to stand
there all night or are you going to come in?" she couldn't help but giggle a
little upon seeing all of the Senshi entering the observation deck, along with
the two moon cats and Tuxedo Kamen. Finally releasing Mars from her hold, she
raised her right hand, effectively stopping the incoming tsunami of words.
Schooling her features, she then began to talk.
"Now, before you all ask a thing, lets make a few points clear. First, yes,
I've changed. That is something that won't be altered. Second, no, I don't
hate you. However, things won't be the same by just saying sorry. Everything
is different now, so if you want to be friends with me again, there have to be
changes; of what kind, well... we'll have to see. I'm not going to go back
being the same person you all knew, not now, not ever. If you want to accept
me, then it will be as I am, no questions or petitions asked.
"If you all agree to this terms, then we'll work fine for the duration of this
mission. Am I making myself clear?" When everybody nodded in agreement, she
added.
"Look, I can't say we can revive our old friendship. But, there might be a
chance to start anew."
All of the Senshi sighed upon hearing that, their hearts feeling lighter. For
them, there was still a light of hope to be with Serena again. They all
understood that things wouldn't be the same, but there were looking towards a
new start.
Serena didn't let her face betray it, but she felt quite good upon seeing the
alleviated expressions of her old friends. Her gaze then fell on Tuxedo Kamen,
their eyes locking instantly. She noticed a faint glimmer in his eyes, one she
identified immediately. Nodding very slightly, she relied her answer.
"Maybe." She then addressed the whole group. "I'll give you my final decision
when the time is more appropriate. For now, let's all go and rest."
Everybody nodded at her, accepting her words. They still had a chance, but it
all depended on her.
* * * *
It was until next day that preparations were finished. The time key was again
inserted in the Drive, the calculations for what was now known as the 'Chrono
Jump' had been verified five times already, numerous tests had been made
during each step of the preparations, and everybody was as ready as they could
be, considering the circumstances. This time, only Serena and Saffir were
present on the bridge, the Sisters and the Senshi in their rooms and one of
the Teleport rooms respectively.
"All systems ready, sir." Reported the chief engineer. "Reactors at full
power, shields up and running, engines function nominal."
"Security teams on standby." Reported the security officer from his station.
"All weapons systems on standby, ready to ignite at your command."
"Computers and sensors functioning at 100%" reported the main scientist. "All
systems check green. Ready when you are, captain."
"Thank you everybody." Said Captain Vardeen, acknowledging all the reports. He
then addressed Serena. "Ambassador, are you sure you want to remain here? I'd
prefer if you were in your cabin."
"Captain, as much as I appreciate your concern, if something goes wrong like
the first time," she decided to ignore the reaction from the scientist, "I'll
use the Ginzuishou to stabilize the reaction."
"And before you ask," began Saffir, "I'm here as a witness and representing my
people. I want to make sure that wherever you're taking us is suitable."
"Perfectly understandable. Very well, then." Placing his hands on the touch
pads, captain Vardeen then proceeded to repeat the activation phrase. And once
more, in the main screen, the dreaded swirl of pink clouds appeared; however,
since this time they expected it; as soon as it opened, the Lucky Star crossed
the time portal.
It was a few minutes later when the communications officer reported to the
captain. "Sir? I'm receiving a sub-space signal... addressed to ambassador
Moon."
Both Captain Vardeen and Serena raised an eyebrow upon hearing that, the
latter slightly shrugging. The captain nodded in her direction, understanding
her gesture. "On speakers." Almost immediately, a female voice was heard on
the bridge.
+ Princess... the past is in danger... you need to return now... Wiseman and
Small Lady... Paradox in progress... timeline unstable... hurry. +
Saffir broke the silence that followed the reception. "That confirms our
suspicions then. Wiseman is going to destroy the past."
"Looks like it." Said the captain. "Helm, ahead full towards the Time Gates."
It was five minutes later when the Lucky Star finally crossed the Time Gates.
And through the main screen the crew was witness of a sorry sight: the Gates
themselves showed scorch signs, and even the mist around the area looked
grayish. But what caused Serena to gasp was the image of Sailor Pluto lying
next to the damaged Gates; her fuku ripped and burned, her once lustrous hair
scorched as well and uneven, and the bow on her back was missing. All in all,
she presented a sorry sight.
Without losing another second, the captain opened a link to the infirmary.
"Doctor, report to teleport room 3, and take a full emergency medikit with
you. We might have a casualty."
+ On my way, captain. +
"Captain, request permission to join the doctor. I might be able to help."
Inquired Serena.
"Take someone with you, ambassador. And be careful." Said captain Vardeen.
Two minutes later found Serena, Syl and the doctor kneeling next to an
unconscious Pluto. Taking a fast reading from his sensors, the doctor prepared
to administer first aid to the hurt Senshi. Noticing the look on Serena's
eyes, he told her his diagnosis. "Second and third degree burns on one third
of her body, a composed fracture on her right arm, dislocated right leg at the
hip and a concussion. All things considered, she got out of this pretty well."
After securing a splint on her arm and resetting her leg, he then broke a
small ammonia capsule under Pluto's nose. "This shall do the trick."
After coughing a little, Pluto regained her senses. Moaning from her
discomfort she tried to stand up, only to be stopped by the doctor's hand on
her left shoulder. "Take it easy, lady. You received quite the beating, and
you are in no condition to stand up for now."
"No time..." muttered Pluto. "Have to stop... Wiseman. The princess... where
is she?"
"Right here Pluto. Now, don't move." Said Serena. Once Pluto calmed down a
little, she added. "Now, what happened?"
Taking a breath (and wincing at the pain signals her abused ribs sent), Pluto
began to talk. "Wiseman. I tried to stop him from crossing the Gates, but he
was too strong. The Dark Crystal is too powerful now, and I wasn't able to do
a thing. He's back in the past... I can already feel the birth of a paradox.
He has to be stopped!"
"And we will, don't worry. " said Serena, her face stern. Activating her own
communicator she said. "Captain? What we feared just happened. Wiseman is in
the past creating a paradox. We have to hurry."
+Understood. Get back and we'll set course immediately. +
"You are coming with us." Said the doctor, addressing Pluto at the same time
he applied some Syntflesh on her burns. "You need to be treated."
"I can't leave my post." Said Pluto, staring directly at the doctor's eyes.
"Besides, I have to open the Gates to where and when you have to go. Nobody
else can."
"All right." All eyes focused on Syl after he said that. "In that case, I'll
stay with you." Noticing the stares he was receiving, he added. "Hey, someone
has to keep an eye on her! After all, if she faints while opening those doors,
who knows where we all will end up!"
"You can't!" said Pluto, standing up despite her wounds and the doctor's
protests. "It is forbidden for outsiders to even know of the Gates' existence,
much less stay here! I am the only one that can guard them!"
"Look lady... you are in no position to guard anything right now. Face it, you
need help to even stand up!" Much to Pluto's chagrin, she had to admit he was
right. She was wobbling on her feet, and felt as if she was going to black out
any second. The effort to open the Gates would only worsen her condition.
However, before she could think of anything to say, Serena spoke.
"He's right Pluto. Please, don't make me order you to accept his help. Accept
it for now; as soon as you can, send him back with us, ok?"
Pluto was again about to retort, but when she locked eyes with Serena's she
lost her line of thought. (Those eyes...) she thought. (Just like her
mother's...) sighing in defeat, she just nodded.
"Very well Princess. As you command." Nodding in satisfaction with the
answer, Serena once more activated her communicator. "Ambassador Moon here.
Two to beam up." Addressing Pluto and Syl, she added. "Take care, both of
you." In that moment, a shower of blue sparks covered her and the doctor; in a
moment, they were back on the ship.
Once they were alone, Pluto addressed Syl, her voice completely neutral. "Help
me to stand straight; and whatever happens, don't touch my staff, understood?"
"Loud and clear, ma'am!" answered Syl. Standing on wobbly feet, Pluto extended
her left arm and concentrated. In an eye blink, the Time Key appeared.
However, the effort made her dizzy; she would have blacked out if it hadn't
been for Syl's intervention. Taking care of not hurting her right arm, he
suddenly found himself with his arm around Pluto's waist, holding her weight.
Said action caused both of them to blush.
Using a lifetime of discipline, Pluto fought back the feelings that his
proximity caused on her. Focusing on the task at hand, she directed the Time
Key towards the Gates and concentrated once more. The Garnet Orb on the key
began to glow, gaining intensity with each passing second.
Syl watched the proceedings, fascinated, at the same time fighting the blush
still on his cheeks. It wasn't a problem, though, since without a moment's
notice, and unlike the first time the Lucky Star crossed the Gates, a red
light beam emerged from the Orb and hit the Gates. Heeding the command from
the Time Guardian, the Gates opened.
Syl watched, dumbfounded, at the new perspective he got from the ship crossing
the ancient artifact. When he was onboard, it was as if the Gates had grown to
allow passage for the ship. But from his position, it was as if it was the
Lucky Star what shrunk instead! He observed, fascinated, as if the ship
suddenly became a small toy, easily fitting the limited broadness of the Gates
and crossing them without difficulty. He couldn't help but feel his jaw hang
open; after all, this had been an event he hadn't witnessed in all his life,
even remotely imagined. His attention, however, was immediately called to the
sudden increase of weight on his left arm when Pluto's legs gave up.
With great care, he helped the weakened Senshi to lie on the 'floor'. "Are you
ok?" he felt suddenly stupid right after the words left his lips. With great
care, he deposited the injured Senshi on the 'floor'. After a couple of
awkward moments, he broke the silence with a generic question.
"So... what's to do around here?"
* * * *
As soon as the Lucky Star crossed the other end of the passage of Time, the
ship was immediately bombarded from all directions. Captain Vardeen
immediately began to issue orders.
"Shields up, arm weapons and reset the main screen. Lets see what is out
there. Security detachments on alert in case we have to face another boarding
party, and prepare the B.A.T.s if that's the case!"
"Yes sir!" came voices from both the helm and the security station. The helm
added a moment later. "Main screen online, sir."
However, when the image appeared, everybody on the bridge could only stare in
mute horror at the sight.
"Helm... are we in the correct time and place?" inquired the captain in a
subdued voice.
"A moment sir... yes, we are right in lunar orbit, and Astrogation systems
indicate this is the right time; even more, according to data, only one hour
have passed since we crossed the portal for the first time. But... what
happened here?"
The cause of their reactions was sadly evident on the screen. With the moon
and stars as a background, a veritable field of junk floated around, the
impacts felt upon reentry were same debris hitting the hull. After a brief
pause, the chief scientist began to give his report.
"No doubt about it. All scans indicate that these remains were manufactured at
RB-1. I have positive Ids of the remains... captain, this is all that's left
of the Battle Group."
"But that's impossible!" retorted the security officer. "This Battle Group was
one of the most experienced and powerful in our fleet! Nothing short of a
full-scale invasion force could have destroyed it so completely!"
"I'm afraid it is quite possible." Commented Saffir. "With the Dark Crystal
now active, and Wiseman's powers alone, your vaunted fleet was nothing but
cannon fodder. If I recall correctly, you were almost destroyed by our regular
ships, so what makes you think that Wiseman's was something less than those?"
"I still find it hard to believe..." muttered captain Vardeen, "I mean...
between all ships, there were around 700,000 people on board. They all can't
be dead now!"
In that instant, the communications officer talked. "Sir? I'm receiving a
distress signal... triangulating position now." All waited for the results,
holding their breaths. After what seemed like an eternity, the officer finally
reported. "Got it. It's an escape pod, about 10 clicks to starboard."
"Send a shuttle to retrieve it." Ordered the captain. He then added. "As soon
as it's onboard, send the recorder to the war room, and the survivors to the
infirmary."
"Yes sir!"
And hour later, the command staff was gathered in the war room, plus Serena,
Sensei and Saffir. The atmosphere was gloomy, to say the very least.
Clearing his throat, captain Vardeen opened the meeting. "As you all are well
aware of, the Battle Group assigned to aid us has been completely destroyed.
However, there was one survivor... if we can call him that.
"Ten minutes ago, I went to check him on the infirmary. The poor devil is
completely insane, unable to articulate one coherent word. A preliminary
report has been prepared, pending the addition of what we might find on the
pod's recorder." He then nodded in the direction of the main scientist, who
activated the holo-projector on the table. The lights dimmed on the room, and
the recording started to play back.
A fuzzy image of a ship's bridge appeared, the only thing clear was the sound.
+ Admiral? Sensors here. We are picking a strange reading in the same area
where the Lucky Star disappeared. +
+ Is it the Star? + Inquired a voice that all present recognized as Admiral
Carlson's.
+ Unknown, sir. Too much background noise... hold it, sir! Something is coming
out of it! No match in current files, running general search... Sir, it's one
of the enemy ships encountered by Captain Vardeen! +
+ Understood. Sound general alert, and hail that ship! +
The sirens and warnings of the general alert were heard through the recording,
and above the cacophony the words from the Admiral were still clear.
+This is Admiral Carlson of the MRMA Excelsior. Deactivate your shields and
weapons systems and prepare to be boarded. I repeat, this is Admiral Carlson
from the MRMA Excelsior. Deactivate your shields and weapons systems and
prepare to be boarded. +
+Admiral! Energy spike coming from the intruder! It's firing at the Agamemnon!
+ A moment of silence followed the report before the sensors officer talked
again. +Direct hit! Sir... the Agamemnon... has been completely destroyed! +
+ By the Gods... what power do they have...+ the Admiral's voice had a shocked
tint to it, but it soon regained is commanding strength. + Go to red alert!
Hail all ships and order them to arm all shields and weapons! Fire at will! I
want those bastards eliminated! +
What followed was what could well be called an orchestrated chaos. Reports
flew all around the ship indicating that the battle wasn't going their way. In
a manner of minutes, the fleet had lost all its destroyers, seven
battlecruisers, two dreadnoughts and two super-dreadnoughts. But that wasn't
all... in one of the scenes, it was shown for a brief instant that, when
Wiseman's dark lightnings destroyed a ship, what appeared to be small white
sparks sailed through them only to be absorbed by the crystal ship. It was
perfectly clear at that point that, if it hadn't been for the modifications
made to the Star's shielding systems, they would have been obliterated as well
in the future.
The whole battle against the Wiseman's crystal ship and the Epsilon-Theta
battle group lasted in total forty-three minutes. By the end of it, only the
Excelsior was active, although just barely. The bridge was a complete ruin.
Control panels were either short-circuiting or burning. Bodies were strewn all
around, some completely immobile, others just barely moving. Finally, the face
of Admiral Carlson was shown; he had a nasty cut just below his hairline, his
face covered in blood.
+ This is Admiral Stephen Carlson, commander of the battle group Epsilon-
Theta. We have encountered an extremely hostile life form that has totally
decimated my fleet. Nothing we shoot at it affects it, and its shots are
terribly powerful. If anybody can find this flight recording, be on the alert.
Be prepared. We have done all we could, but wasn't enough. If anybody from the
Agency finds this, I beg you... warn everybody on RB-1... and avenge our
deaths. +
The final scene depicted a view from the departing pod, showing an external
view of the now severely damaged super-dreadnought. All of a sudden, a black
lightning bolt hit it, and immediately a series of explosions bloomed all over
the Excelsior. In a few instants, a fireball engulfed the camera.
When the recording ended and the lights returned to normal on the Star's war
room, silence predominated for a few minutes. Finally, captain Vardeen spoke,
his voice coarse and slightly waving.
"I... still find this hard to believe. All those lives lost... but the
evidence is irrefutable." Regaining his composure, albeit with some effort, he
addressed all present. "I want ideas, and solutions. We need to destroy
Wiseman, that's a fact. What I want to know is how!"
Saffir cleared his throat and then began to speak. "I don't know what to say,
captain. Wiseman is powerful just by himself, but now with the Dark Crystal's
power... his own abilities have grown exponentially. I don't think there is a
force in the universe now that can stop him."
"Then, are you suggesting that we simply surrender to this maniac and let
ourselves be slaughtered like cattle?!" said the captain through clenched
teeth. "That is unacceptable! There has to be a way to defeat him!"
(And there is, captain.) Said Sensei. (However, the solution does not lie on
you.)
"I see..." muttered Serena, drawing attention to her. "So... once more, I have
to stop this menace, isn't it Sensei?"
(I am afraid so, young one.) Answered Sensei. (But you don't have to do it if
you don't want to.)
Serena chuckled humorlessly upon receiving that thought. "Sensei... you're
slipping. I can feel you're worried for me. But thank you anyway. I appreciate
the thought." Standing up, she addressed all present. "Now, if you excuse me,
I want some time alone to prepare."
She was about to leave the war room when in that instant a message was
received.
+ Captain? Communications here. We are receiving a television broadcast from
Japan. I think you should look at it. +
"When it rains, it pours." Muttered captain Vardeen under his breath. On a
normal voice he said. "Patch it here, then."
+ Yes sir. Patch complete. + Once more, the lights dimmed and the holo-
projector activated. This time it was a 2-D image showing a newscast. At the
foot of the transmission were the identification letters of the broadcast
station, as well as the title 'emergency broadcast'. The general image was a
wide view of downtown Tokyo, apparently the commercial district. At the far
end a dark crystal spire was shown looming over the buildings, at the same
time a whirlpool of clouds forming on top of it.
The image shifted to the reporter in charge of the news, standing behind a
police line, the police cars making a barricade behind him with policemen
kneeling behind, weapons drawn.
+ This is Minamino Kaji, channel 14, reporting live from the containment line
at Akihabara. As you all may recall, twenty minutes ago a strange crystal
formation appeared suddenly in downtown Tokyo. Immediately after, police
officers cordoned the area and evacuated the nearby buildings in case it was
dangerous. Five minutes ago, a group of scientists assigned by the Diet
entered the original perimeter... and we lost contact with them.
+ When that happened, what appeared to be light sparks began to course from
the top of the crystal construct to the ground; immediately the police
extended the containment area ten more blocks away. Right now, no word has
been said of what is going on there. But we have learned that a few divisions
of the JSDF have been deployed and are heading to this area; the reason behind
this sudden troops mobilization is unknown for now, but we'll keep you
informed... +
In that moment, the police officers began to open fire. The image immediately
shifted to catch an image of the cause of the sudden barrage. And what
appeared was something that shocked the watchers even more.
A group of... beings was heading directly towards the police line, the shots
not stopping them in the least. The watchers at the war room immediately
identified the rags covering the bodies. They were wearing the uniforms of the
Epsilon-Theta crewmembers. Among those former human beings were shock troopers
wearing full battle armor, those in particular moving without care of the
incoming fire.
But the most horrifying feature was their appearance. They looked nothing more
like walking skeletons covered with dried skin covering them. And their
eyes... were nothing more than pools of darkness, no sign of eyes whatsoever.
From their open maws, moans were clearly heard, sounding like tortured
souls... and perhaps that's what they were.
The police shots simply went through those animated corpses, not slowing them
in the very least. The police officers stood their ground however, still
shooting until their weapons needed to be reloaded. The reporter on the scene
wasn't talking by this point, too shocked or terrified to utter a word.
When the reloading pause occurred, the zombie-like beings made their move.
With surprising speed, they immediately cleared the police cars and zeroed on
the police officers. The camera caught, in that instant, one of the most
horrible scenes ever witnessed by anyone in either the planet or the Lucky
Star.
A zombie grabbed an officer, and in a swift movement forced its victim's face
to get close to it, in all appearances to give it a kiss. But what happened
was more terrible in scope: when their faces were no more than two inches
apart, a sudden flash of white-bluish light appeared on the eyes and mouth of
the policeman... and was immediately siphoned by the zombie. The process was
apparently a very painful one, since the unfortunate victim began screaming
with all his strength.
It only took seconds for all his life energy to be removed. During the whole
process, the policeman's body began to shrink on itself, his screams growing
weaker by the second. Finally, what remained was nothing more than a
desiccated skeleton covered with paper-thin skin, no trace of life whatsoever
on it. At the same time, the zombie began to glow a white light. When no more
lifeforce could be extracted, it simply let the remains drop. Raising its
hands, the light immediately coalesced between them, forming a glowing white
orb. Once fully formed, the orb suddenly shot away from its hands, heading
towards the black spire. Its mission fulfilled, the zombie began to look
around for more victims.
The same process was repeated with another victim, the action echoed by other
zombies having captured more officers. When the killing beings turned their
attention to the reporter, he began to walk away, at the same time stammering.
+ N-n-n-no... s-s-step away... d-d-d-don't come any closer... no... no...
don't kill me... please... no... no! +
His pleas, however, were unheard. With unnatural speed, three zombies pounced
on him, the reporter screaming with all his strength. Suddenly, the image
wavered, indicating that the cameraman had suffered the same fate. That was
the last scene before being replaced by static. A few seconds later, the logo
of channel 14 appeared, a voice-over being heard.
+ The Diet and the Emperor have issued a state of emergency. By their decree,
all citizens have to evacuate Tokyo immediately. Repeat. By imperial decree,
all citizens have to evacuate Tokyo immediately. +
Without a word, captain Vardeen closed the connection. Nobody said a thing;
after all, talking was superfluous at this point. Standing up, he looked
around at his officers, seeing in their faces and eyes what he himself was
feeling: shock, horror, nausea... but prevalent above those feelings, was
rage, and a need to stop whatever was happening on the planet.
Looking at Serena, his eyes and expression asked a question. She nodded, and
left the war room. When the door closed behind her, he addressed his officers.
"Gentlemen... we strike as soon as we arrive at earth. Get ready."
Nobody answered. There was no need for that. All of them knew in their hearts
and souls that this was the final battle, that everything had come down to
them... either they managed to triumph, or the fate of the Multiverse was
sealed with total darkness.
In complete silence, all present left the room to get ready for the final
conflict.
* * * *
The Senshi and the moon cats arrived at Serena's quarters ten minutes after
the meeting at the war room was over. Through the ship's grapevine they had
heard rumors about what was going on earth and what happened to the battle
group, so they wanted to have confirmation, as well as discuss one thing with
her. So, to their surprise, considering how much she valued her intimacy, they
encountered the door to her quarters open. Taking that as an invitation, the
group entered.
Much to their surprise [and Tuxedo Kamen's barely avoided and fatal
nosebleed], they encountered Serena meditating in the middle of her room... in
the nude. But what was the most amazing feature was that she was floating in
mid-air, surrounded by a silver aura. Her face was expressionless, her body
slightly tense. Mars, remembering what had happened to her the first time she
saw the blonde in that situation with the Ethereal, signaled the others to
stay calm and say nothing. Then they settled and wait for Serena to
acknowledge them.
A minute later, the aura surrounding Serena began to dim until it disappeared,
at the same time she straightened up. Opening her eyes, she looked at the
spellbound audience waiting. Without a word, she grabbed a robe she had placed
next to her and donned it. Once presentable she addressed the Senshi.
"I take you heard the rumors." Seeing them all nodding, she sighed. "I see.
And before you ask... yes, each one of them is true. Yes, Wiseman has
destroyed the Battle Group. Yes, he somehow transformed the crews of those
ships into life-sucking monsters and let them loose in Tokyo. And yes,
everybody on board this ship is planning to make a last stand against that
monster and stop him, no matter the cost."
"But what if the cost is you??" almost shrieked Mars, her face tense and
showing an enraged expression. "Are they willing to risk you for their
revenge? Do they think so little of you??"
"No, not at all Mars." Said Serena, her expression softening a little.
"Although officially I no longer have tags with the Agency besides my position
as an ambassador, you understand this is something I have to do. Not for them,
but for my birth planet, for all the people Wiseman has manipulated and
destroyed on his mad quest for power.
"This is something we all would have faced despite my having joined the Agency
or not. I'm pretty sure this is our Destiny. But if there is one thing I have
learned in my time among these people and instructors at the Citadel, is that
Destiny, as well as the future itself, is malleable. I don't know if we could
have survived on our own, but what I know is that, being who I am now, there
is a big chance we all can make it out of this alive."
She let her words sink after that. Seeing the Senshi digesting what she said,
Serena took the opportunity to get dressed. She might have been ashamed in the
past by even thinking of changing clothes in front of others, but her time in
the Academy had cured her of that. After all, communal unisex baths were
regular things when you were training in the military section where she
trained with Luna-F, not to mention taking baths in the open under a waterfall
when she trained with the Ethereals.
By the time she finished, wearing a skin-tight white flight suit [AN: think a
plug suit from Evangelion here], along with low-heeled white boots, she once
more addressed the Senshi.
"This is something that has to be done. Wiseman has grown in power enormously,
but if there is one chance in a million we can win, then we're going to take
it. He has to be stopped, one way or another."
Once she stopped talking, the Senshi took a good look at her. In front of them
was no longer the klutz, the crybaby, the insecure Usagi. No, who stood in
front of them was someone secure of her abilities, severely beautiful,
incredibly powerful... but most of all, they could still see the person they
have grown to love: a person who cared for everybody she met, who was willing
to even sacrifice herself in order to give others a chance for a better life.
A person they all have learned to love.
It was Luna-C who spoke first. "Usagi... or if you prefer, Serena. I can't
find the words to express how proud I am of you. Also, I can't say how sorry I
am for mistreating you in the past, for ignoring your needs and wants. You
can't imagine how much I lament having missed you growing up, seen your
triumphs and achievements."
Mars went next. "Usagi... because to me you will ALWAYS be Usagi. I am so
sorry for abusing you, for demeaning you. I felt so frustrated at seeing you
waste all your potential. And now, it took for you to get away in order to
achieve said potential. And look at you now! You are so much more than I ever
dreamt! I am so proud of you too... and want to say thank you. You gave me
what I most wanted in the world: a good friend. And I was foolish enough to
throw that away because of my temper... I'm so sorry for that!" she couldn't
continue talking, otherwise she would have broken in tears there and then. She
then dropped to her knees, her eyes staring at the floor.
Mercury then took the word. "Serena... I am also sorry for what I did to you.
You all say I'm the smartest of the group, however, I used my logic to
rationalize why we kicked you out of the Senshi. You can't imagine how sorry I
feel for doing that! I too am guilty of taking your friendship for granted,
and for that I beg your forgiveness." She also followed Mars' example,
kneeling in front of Serena as well.
Seeing Mercury couldn't continue, so it was Jupiter's turn. "I am also so
sorry... You were the first person that offered me unconditional friendship,
and I didn't appreciate it fully until I thought I had lost you forever. As a
Senshi, I was supposed to protect you, and was the first one to hurt you. I
regret my actions, and also beg for your forgiveness." She also kneeled.
Venus was next. "Serena... I was so used to fight alone when I was Sailor V.
When I returned to Japan, you received me with open arms. You offered me a
place among the Senshi, and accepted me for who I am, no questions asked. And
I was a complete idiot for forgetting your kindness! I am so sorry!!!" she
then dropped to her knees, unable to contain her tears.
Taking a deep breath, Tuxedo Kamen knew it was his turn to pour his heart's
content. Kneeling first, he then talked. "Serena... there are no words in the
universe to express my shame for not trusting you. All my life, I have been so
used to be by myself that I never took you seriously. I made a terrible
mistake not confiding in you those dreams... and more, listening to them. I
rationalized what, deep in my heart, knew was wrong, but denied it. I still
love you with every fiber of my being, but this time, I'll fully respect and
support your decisions."
Seeing that everybody had said their peace, Artemis finished the explanation,
walking in front of the group and sitting at Serena's feet. "Well... what they
all are trying to say in their special ways, is that they are truly regretful
of their past actions. And I think I talk for all present when I say: Serena
Moon, formerly Tsukino Usagi, Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom and Sailor
Moon. We all are your Senshi, your advisors, and your protectors. With all
the respect you deserve and have earned, we humbly ask your forgiveness, and
ask for you to accept our help and presence in the battle to come. So... would
you accept us back under your command?"
For years to come, Luna-C would deny it, but she would admit to herself that,
in all her life, had never felt so proud of Artemis than in that precise
moment. She would also deny it, but she had to restrain herself from jumping
on top of him and nuzzle him to death!
Serena looked at them, her face expressionless. For those waiting for her
sentence, the wait was unbearable, but were prepared to accept her decision,
no questions asked. After what they felt like an eternity of torture, Serena
finally talked.
"Arise, everybody. There is no need for you to kneel before me." Waiting until
everybody was once more standing up, she continued. "Yes, what you all said
and did to me hurt me deeply. It still hurts despite all this time. However, I
am willing to give you all one more chance.
"Keep in mind that I am not forgiving you completely. Friendship and love are
very fragile and delicate things; and just like with trust, they have to be
earned. This means a new start, and you all will have to earn those things
back. Everything is going to change, make no mistake. But if you are truly
repentant, then we all can work something out of all this experience."
Relief flowed through the Senshi, the cats and Tuxedo Kamen. They knew they
haven't resolved everything, but were eager to regain what, in their
thoughtlessness, had lost. No price was too high, but they were determined to
once more prove themselves worthy of her friendship, trust and love.
And in the instant they acknowledged Serena's words, something happened. In a
flash of silver light, the bloodstains that marked them disappeared. They all
felt as if someone had removed some shackles that weighed on their souls. They
didn't question the phenomena, but accepted it and consider it as a sign that
they had a second chance.
And they were NOT going to waste it this time!
TO BE CONTINUED.
Whoa!!! It has been THAT long since I posted the last chapter? I apologize for
the long wait, but Real Life has been hitting me so hard that I had lost all
my inspiration. Heck, I was considering retiring from writing fanfiction! But
this is a story that simply refuses to die until I finish it. So, like it or
not, I am 'doomed' to write until the end. ˆ_ˆ
I hope I still have readers after this long hiatus, but for those who have
waited patiently for this chapter, well... here it is! And in case you have
forgotten, here's a reminder: REVIEW!!! It were those who wrote late reviews
who gave me the drive to finish this chapter, and the more reviews I get, the
more inspiration I can get to finish this story.
Now, for those who might be interested... this is the second to last chapter.
One more and an epilogue are already planned, so if you want to read them,
cheer me up, ok?
I thank my pre-reader and good friend, Yohann DeSabrais, for helping me during
these last dark months, and keeping my spirits high. If it hadn't been for
him, something terrible might have happened. Buddy, friend, pal, Brother... I
thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Ok, that's all for now. Later!
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:
Answers have been given by Sensei after the successful completion of the
different missions by both Serena's group and the Lucky Star. It turns out
that Wiseman is a renegade Ethereal bent in destroying the whole of Existence,
and his next step towards that goal is to destroy the past. What is worse,
it's that Chibi-Usa has become the key for such a horrible event.
* = Change of Scene
( ) = Thoughts
+ + = Computer Responses or Electronic Communications
SILVER TEARS
BY
COMMANDER GALOS
CHAPTER 18: MEDITATIONS IN PAST TENSE.
Once again, Serena found herself in observation deck 3, deep in thought. The
meeting that had ended scarcely an hour ago had answered a few questions, but
it left her with a whole lot more. And boiling them down, she ended up with
one basic question: What to do now? While pondering said question, her gaze
wandered through the sight on the window. At the moment, the image of a
devastated Earth was clear, its gray clouds swirling and turning, almost
meshing with the gray-colored ground and oceans. It was truly a depressing
sight.
Her musings were interrupted by the sound of the access door opening; turning
around slightly, she saw the entrance of Sailor Mars from the corner of her
right eye. Returning her attention to the sight in front of her, she asked.
"What are you doing here, Rei? You should be resting."
Mars didn't answer immediately, instead walking towards Serena until she was
standing next to the blond. They remained silent for a few minutes, both
immersed in their personal thoughts. Finally, Mars answered the previous
question. "I couldn't sleep. And I could say the same thing about you."
"Same answer here." Responded Serena. "This deck is a little far from the
residential sector. And since you are here, that only means you want to talk
with me. So, what can I do for you?"
"I'm so sorry...." Muttered Mars, looking down at her feet. "I... I don't know
how to apologize to you for all the things I said to you back home. It's just
that... I was so frustrated! You always had the potential to be someone great,
and I despaired seeing you so... so..."
"So immature? So clumsy? Such a foolish kid, only focused on ice cream and
gossip? Always complaining and letting everybody down?" finished Serena the
phrase, her expression kept neutral.
"NO!!! You never let us down!" denied Mars vehemently. "How many times it was
you who saved us? How many times it was YOU who pulled us all from the fire at
risk of life and limb, without asking for anything in return?
"If... if someone is guilty, it's me. I'm the one who wanted to change you."
At this point, Mars had tears rolling down her face, but she paid them no
heed. "I... I was so blind. I wanted to turn you into someone you were never
meant to. I admit it. I was so jealous of you. You always had the facility of
making friends, to have everybody liking you, to always look the good in
people... things I always wanted to do myself.
"Oh Gods Serena, I'm so sorry!!! Please, don't hate me!" unable to continue,
feeling the weight of her emotions about to crush her, Mars embraced herself
in an attempt to ward off the sudden chill that permeated not her body, but
her soul. So, it came as a total shock when a pair of arms embraced her
tenderly, offering their support. Through her tears, Mars noticed it was
Serena, looking at her with tenderness and understanding.
"It's okay Rei, it's okay. Let it all out." Taking the invitation and opening
the floodgates of her emotions, Mars embraced Serena, letting her tears wash
away her insecurities. None knew exactly how much time elapsed before the
emotional storm finally subsided, but in the end it was a more serene and
centered Mars who looked at Serena.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it, you needed it. I know I did when I first joined the
Agency." Explained Serena with a small smile. Walking a step back, but keeping
her hands on Mars' shoulders, she spoke aloud. "Well, are you going to stand
there all night or are you going to come in?" she couldn't help but giggle a
little upon seeing all of the Senshi entering the observation deck, along with
the two moon cats and Tuxedo Kamen. Finally releasing Mars from her hold, she
raised her right hand, effectively stopping the incoming tsunami of words.
Schooling her features, she then began to talk.
"Now, before you all ask a thing, lets make a few points clear. First, yes,
I've changed. That is something that won't be altered. Second, no, I don't
hate you. However, things won't be the same by just saying sorry. Everything
is different now, so if you want to be friends with me again, there have to be
changes; of what kind, well... we'll have to see. I'm not going to go back
being the same person you all knew, not now, not ever. If you want to accept
me, then it will be as I am, no questions or petitions asked.
"If you all agree to this terms, then we'll work fine for the duration of this
mission. Am I making myself clear?" When everybody nodded in agreement, she
added.
"Look, I can't say we can revive our old friendship. But, there might be a
chance to start anew."
All of the Senshi sighed upon hearing that, their hearts feeling lighter. For
them, there was still a light of hope to be with Serena again. They all
understood that things wouldn't be the same, but there were looking towards a
new start.
Serena didn't let her face betray it, but she felt quite good upon seeing the
alleviated expressions of her old friends. Her gaze then fell on Tuxedo Kamen,
their eyes locking instantly. She noticed a faint glimmer in his eyes, one she
identified immediately. Nodding very slightly, she relied her answer.
"Maybe." She then addressed the whole group. "I'll give you my final decision
when the time is more appropriate. For now, let's all go and rest."
Everybody nodded at her, accepting her words. They still had a chance, but it
all depended on her.
* * * *
It was until next day that preparations were finished. The time key was again
inserted in the Drive, the calculations for what was now known as the 'Chrono
Jump' had been verified five times already, numerous tests had been made
during each step of the preparations, and everybody was as ready as they could
be, considering the circumstances. This time, only Serena and Saffir were
present on the bridge, the Sisters and the Senshi in their rooms and one of
the Teleport rooms respectively.
"All systems ready, sir." Reported the chief engineer. "Reactors at full
power, shields up and running, engines function nominal."
"Security teams on standby." Reported the security officer from his station.
"All weapons systems on standby, ready to ignite at your command."
"Computers and sensors functioning at 100%" reported the main scientist. "All
systems check green. Ready when you are, captain."
"Thank you everybody." Said Captain Vardeen, acknowledging all the reports. He
then addressed Serena. "Ambassador, are you sure you want to remain here? I'd
prefer if you were in your cabin."
"Captain, as much as I appreciate your concern, if something goes wrong like
the first time," she decided to ignore the reaction from the scientist, "I'll
use the Ginzuishou to stabilize the reaction."
"And before you ask," began Saffir, "I'm here as a witness and representing my
people. I want to make sure that wherever you're taking us is suitable."
"Perfectly understandable. Very well, then." Placing his hands on the touch
pads, captain Vardeen then proceeded to repeat the activation phrase. And once
more, in the main screen, the dreaded swirl of pink clouds appeared; however,
since this time they expected it; as soon as it opened, the Lucky Star crossed
the time portal.
It was a few minutes later when the communications officer reported to the
captain. "Sir? I'm receiving a sub-space signal... addressed to ambassador
Moon."
Both Captain Vardeen and Serena raised an eyebrow upon hearing that, the
latter slightly shrugging. The captain nodded in her direction, understanding
her gesture. "On speakers." Almost immediately, a female voice was heard on
the bridge.
+ Princess... the past is in danger... you need to return now... Wiseman and
Small Lady... Paradox in progress... timeline unstable... hurry. +
Saffir broke the silence that followed the reception. "That confirms our
suspicions then. Wiseman is going to destroy the past."
"Looks like it." Said the captain. "Helm, ahead full towards the Time Gates."
It was five minutes later when the Lucky Star finally crossed the Time Gates.
And through the main screen the crew was witness of a sorry sight: the Gates
themselves showed scorch signs, and even the mist around the area looked
grayish. But what caused Serena to gasp was the image of Sailor Pluto lying
next to the damaged Gates; her fuku ripped and burned, her once lustrous hair
scorched as well and uneven, and the bow on her back was missing. All in all,
she presented a sorry sight.
Without losing another second, the captain opened a link to the infirmary.
"Doctor, report to teleport room 3, and take a full emergency medikit with
you. We might have a casualty."
+ On my way, captain. +
"Captain, request permission to join the doctor. I might be able to help."
Inquired Serena.
"Take someone with you, ambassador. And be careful." Said captain Vardeen.
Two minutes later found Serena, Syl and the doctor kneeling next to an
unconscious Pluto. Taking a fast reading from his sensors, the doctor prepared
to administer first aid to the hurt Senshi. Noticing the look on Serena's
eyes, he told her his diagnosis. "Second and third degree burns on one third
of her body, a composed fracture on her right arm, dislocated right leg at the
hip and a concussion. All things considered, she got out of this pretty well."
After securing a splint on her arm and resetting her leg, he then broke a
small ammonia capsule under Pluto's nose. "This shall do the trick."
After coughing a little, Pluto regained her senses. Moaning from her
discomfort she tried to stand up, only to be stopped by the doctor's hand on
her left shoulder. "Take it easy, lady. You received quite the beating, and
you are in no condition to stand up for now."
"No time..." muttered Pluto. "Have to stop... Wiseman. The princess... where
is she?"
"Right here Pluto. Now, don't move." Said Serena. Once Pluto calmed down a
little, she added. "Now, what happened?"
Taking a breath (and wincing at the pain signals her abused ribs sent), Pluto
began to talk. "Wiseman. I tried to stop him from crossing the Gates, but he
was too strong. The Dark Crystal is too powerful now, and I wasn't able to do
a thing. He's back in the past... I can already feel the birth of a paradox.
He has to be stopped!"
"And we will, don't worry. " said Serena, her face stern. Activating her own
communicator she said. "Captain? What we feared just happened. Wiseman is in
the past creating a paradox. We have to hurry."
+Understood. Get back and we'll set course immediately. +
"You are coming with us." Said the doctor, addressing Pluto at the same time
he applied some Syntflesh on her burns. "You need to be treated."
"I can't leave my post." Said Pluto, staring directly at the doctor's eyes.
"Besides, I have to open the Gates to where and when you have to go. Nobody
else can."
"All right." All eyes focused on Syl after he said that. "In that case, I'll
stay with you." Noticing the stares he was receiving, he added. "Hey, someone
has to keep an eye on her! After all, if she faints while opening those doors,
who knows where we all will end up!"
"You can't!" said Pluto, standing up despite her wounds and the doctor's
protests. "It is forbidden for outsiders to even know of the Gates' existence,
much less stay here! I am the only one that can guard them!"
"Look lady... you are in no position to guard anything right now. Face it, you
need help to even stand up!" Much to Pluto's chagrin, she had to admit he was
right. She was wobbling on her feet, and felt as if she was going to black out
any second. The effort to open the Gates would only worsen her condition.
However, before she could think of anything to say, Serena spoke.
"He's right Pluto. Please, don't make me order you to accept his help. Accept
it for now; as soon as you can, send him back with us, ok?"
Pluto was again about to retort, but when she locked eyes with Serena's she
lost her line of thought. (Those eyes...) she thought. (Just like her
mother's...) sighing in defeat, she just nodded.
"Very well Princess. As you command." Nodding in satisfaction with the
answer, Serena once more activated her communicator. "Ambassador Moon here.
Two to beam up." Addressing Pluto and Syl, she added. "Take care, both of
you." In that moment, a shower of blue sparks covered her and the doctor; in a
moment, they were back on the ship.
Once they were alone, Pluto addressed Syl, her voice completely neutral. "Help
me to stand straight; and whatever happens, don't touch my staff, understood?"
"Loud and clear, ma'am!" answered Syl. Standing on wobbly feet, Pluto extended
her left arm and concentrated. In an eye blink, the Time Key appeared.
However, the effort made her dizzy; she would have blacked out if it hadn't
been for Syl's intervention. Taking care of not hurting her right arm, he
suddenly found himself with his arm around Pluto's waist, holding her weight.
Said action caused both of them to blush.
Using a lifetime of discipline, Pluto fought back the feelings that his
proximity caused on her. Focusing on the task at hand, she directed the Time
Key towards the Gates and concentrated once more. The Garnet Orb on the key
began to glow, gaining intensity with each passing second.
Syl watched the proceedings, fascinated, at the same time fighting the blush
still on his cheeks. It wasn't a problem, though, since without a moment's
notice, and unlike the first time the Lucky Star crossed the Gates, a red
light beam emerged from the Orb and hit the Gates. Heeding the command from
the Time Guardian, the Gates opened.
Syl watched, dumbfounded, at the new perspective he got from the ship crossing
the ancient artifact. When he was onboard, it was as if the Gates had grown to
allow passage for the ship. But from his position, it was as if it was the
Lucky Star what shrunk instead! He observed, fascinated, as if the ship
suddenly became a small toy, easily fitting the limited broadness of the Gates
and crossing them without difficulty. He couldn't help but feel his jaw hang
open; after all, this had been an event he hadn't witnessed in all his life,
even remotely imagined. His attention, however, was immediately called to the
sudden increase of weight on his left arm when Pluto's legs gave up.
With great care, he helped the weakened Senshi to lie on the 'floor'. "Are you
ok?" he felt suddenly stupid right after the words left his lips. With great
care, he deposited the injured Senshi on the 'floor'. After a couple of
awkward moments, he broke the silence with a generic question.
"So... what's to do around here?"
* * * *
As soon as the Lucky Star crossed the other end of the passage of Time, the
ship was immediately bombarded from all directions. Captain Vardeen
immediately began to issue orders.
"Shields up, arm weapons and reset the main screen. Lets see what is out
there. Security detachments on alert in case we have to face another boarding
party, and prepare the B.A.T.s if that's the case!"
"Yes sir!" came voices from both the helm and the security station. The helm
added a moment later. "Main screen online, sir."
However, when the image appeared, everybody on the bridge could only stare in
mute horror at the sight.
"Helm... are we in the correct time and place?" inquired the captain in a
subdued voice.
"A moment sir... yes, we are right in lunar orbit, and Astrogation systems
indicate this is the right time; even more, according to data, only one hour
have passed since we crossed the portal for the first time. But... what
happened here?"
The cause of their reactions was sadly evident on the screen. With the moon
and stars as a background, a veritable field of junk floated around, the
impacts felt upon reentry were same debris hitting the hull. After a brief
pause, the chief scientist began to give his report.
"No doubt about it. All scans indicate that these remains were manufactured at
RB-1. I have positive Ids of the remains... captain, this is all that's left
of the Battle Group."
"But that's impossible!" retorted the security officer. "This Battle Group was
one of the most experienced and powerful in our fleet! Nothing short of a
full-scale invasion force could have destroyed it so completely!"
"I'm afraid it is quite possible." Commented Saffir. "With the Dark Crystal
now active, and Wiseman's powers alone, your vaunted fleet was nothing but
cannon fodder. If I recall correctly, you were almost destroyed by our regular
ships, so what makes you think that Wiseman's was something less than those?"
"I still find it hard to believe..." muttered captain Vardeen, "I mean...
between all ships, there were around 700,000 people on board. They all can't
be dead now!"
In that instant, the communications officer talked. "Sir? I'm receiving a
distress signal... triangulating position now." All waited for the results,
holding their breaths. After what seemed like an eternity, the officer finally
reported. "Got it. It's an escape pod, about 10 clicks to starboard."
"Send a shuttle to retrieve it." Ordered the captain. He then added. "As soon
as it's onboard, send the recorder to the war room, and the survivors to the
infirmary."
"Yes sir!"
And hour later, the command staff was gathered in the war room, plus Serena,
Sensei and Saffir. The atmosphere was gloomy, to say the very least.
Clearing his throat, captain Vardeen opened the meeting. "As you all are well
aware of, the Battle Group assigned to aid us has been completely destroyed.
However, there was one survivor... if we can call him that.
"Ten minutes ago, I went to check him on the infirmary. The poor devil is
completely insane, unable to articulate one coherent word. A preliminary
report has been prepared, pending the addition of what we might find on the
pod's recorder." He then nodded in the direction of the main scientist, who
activated the holo-projector on the table. The lights dimmed on the room, and
the recording started to play back.
A fuzzy image of a ship's bridge appeared, the only thing clear was the sound.
+ Admiral? Sensors here. We are picking a strange reading in the same area
where the Lucky Star disappeared. +
+ Is it the Star? + Inquired a voice that all present recognized as Admiral
Carlson's.
+ Unknown, sir. Too much background noise... hold it, sir! Something is coming
out of it! No match in current files, running general search... Sir, it's one
of the enemy ships encountered by Captain Vardeen! +
+ Understood. Sound general alert, and hail that ship! +
The sirens and warnings of the general alert were heard through the recording,
and above the cacophony the words from the Admiral were still clear.
+This is Admiral Carlson of the MRMA Excelsior. Deactivate your shields and
weapons systems and prepare to be boarded. I repeat, this is Admiral Carlson
from the MRMA Excelsior. Deactivate your shields and weapons systems and
prepare to be boarded. +
+Admiral! Energy spike coming from the intruder! It's firing at the Agamemnon!
+ A moment of silence followed the report before the sensors officer talked
again. +Direct hit! Sir... the Agamemnon... has been completely destroyed! +
+ By the Gods... what power do they have...+ the Admiral's voice had a shocked
tint to it, but it soon regained is commanding strength. + Go to red alert!
Hail all ships and order them to arm all shields and weapons! Fire at will! I
want those bastards eliminated! +
What followed was what could well be called an orchestrated chaos. Reports
flew all around the ship indicating that the battle wasn't going their way. In
a manner of minutes, the fleet had lost all its destroyers, seven
battlecruisers, two dreadnoughts and two super-dreadnoughts. But that wasn't
all... in one of the scenes, it was shown for a brief instant that, when
Wiseman's dark lightnings destroyed a ship, what appeared to be small white
sparks sailed through them only to be absorbed by the crystal ship. It was
perfectly clear at that point that, if it hadn't been for the modifications
made to the Star's shielding systems, they would have been obliterated as well
in the future.
The whole battle against the Wiseman's crystal ship and the Epsilon-Theta
battle group lasted in total forty-three minutes. By the end of it, only the
Excelsior was active, although just barely. The bridge was a complete ruin.
Control panels were either short-circuiting or burning. Bodies were strewn all
around, some completely immobile, others just barely moving. Finally, the face
of Admiral Carlson was shown; he had a nasty cut just below his hairline, his
face covered in blood.
+ This is Admiral Stephen Carlson, commander of the battle group Epsilon-
Theta. We have encountered an extremely hostile life form that has totally
decimated my fleet. Nothing we shoot at it affects it, and its shots are
terribly powerful. If anybody can find this flight recording, be on the alert.
Be prepared. We have done all we could, but wasn't enough. If anybody from the
Agency finds this, I beg you... warn everybody on RB-1... and avenge our
deaths. +
The final scene depicted a view from the departing pod, showing an external
view of the now severely damaged super-dreadnought. All of a sudden, a black
lightning bolt hit it, and immediately a series of explosions bloomed all over
the Excelsior. In a few instants, a fireball engulfed the camera.
When the recording ended and the lights returned to normal on the Star's war
room, silence predominated for a few minutes. Finally, captain Vardeen spoke,
his voice coarse and slightly waving.
"I... still find this hard to believe. All those lives lost... but the
evidence is irrefutable." Regaining his composure, albeit with some effort, he
addressed all present. "I want ideas, and solutions. We need to destroy
Wiseman, that's a fact. What I want to know is how!"
Saffir cleared his throat and then began to speak. "I don't know what to say,
captain. Wiseman is powerful just by himself, but now with the Dark Crystal's
power... his own abilities have grown exponentially. I don't think there is a
force in the universe now that can stop him."
"Then, are you suggesting that we simply surrender to this maniac and let
ourselves be slaughtered like cattle?!" said the captain through clenched
teeth. "That is unacceptable! There has to be a way to defeat him!"
(And there is, captain.) Said Sensei. (However, the solution does not lie on
you.)
"I see..." muttered Serena, drawing attention to her. "So... once more, I have
to stop this menace, isn't it Sensei?"
(I am afraid so, young one.) Answered Sensei. (But you don't have to do it if
you don't want to.)
Serena chuckled humorlessly upon receiving that thought. "Sensei... you're
slipping. I can feel you're worried for me. But thank you anyway. I appreciate
the thought." Standing up, she addressed all present. "Now, if you excuse me,
I want some time alone to prepare."
She was about to leave the war room when in that instant a message was
received.
+ Captain? Communications here. We are receiving a television broadcast from
Japan. I think you should look at it. +
"When it rains, it pours." Muttered captain Vardeen under his breath. On a
normal voice he said. "Patch it here, then."
+ Yes sir. Patch complete. + Once more, the lights dimmed and the holo-
projector activated. This time it was a 2-D image showing a newscast. At the
foot of the transmission were the identification letters of the broadcast
station, as well as the title 'emergency broadcast'. The general image was a
wide view of downtown Tokyo, apparently the commercial district. At the far
end a dark crystal spire was shown looming over the buildings, at the same
time a whirlpool of clouds forming on top of it.
The image shifted to the reporter in charge of the news, standing behind a
police line, the police cars making a barricade behind him with policemen
kneeling behind, weapons drawn.
+ This is Minamino Kaji, channel 14, reporting live from the containment line
at Akihabara. As you all may recall, twenty minutes ago a strange crystal
formation appeared suddenly in downtown Tokyo. Immediately after, police
officers cordoned the area and evacuated the nearby buildings in case it was
dangerous. Five minutes ago, a group of scientists assigned by the Diet
entered the original perimeter... and we lost contact with them.
+ When that happened, what appeared to be light sparks began to course from
the top of the crystal construct to the ground; immediately the police
extended the containment area ten more blocks away. Right now, no word has
been said of what is going on there. But we have learned that a few divisions
of the JSDF have been deployed and are heading to this area; the reason behind
this sudden troops mobilization is unknown for now, but we'll keep you
informed... +
In that moment, the police officers began to open fire. The image immediately
shifted to catch an image of the cause of the sudden barrage. And what
appeared was something that shocked the watchers even more.
A group of... beings was heading directly towards the police line, the shots
not stopping them in the least. The watchers at the war room immediately
identified the rags covering the bodies. They were wearing the uniforms of the
Epsilon-Theta crewmembers. Among those former human beings were shock troopers
wearing full battle armor, those in particular moving without care of the
incoming fire.
But the most horrifying feature was their appearance. They looked nothing more
like walking skeletons covered with dried skin covering them. And their
eyes... were nothing more than pools of darkness, no sign of eyes whatsoever.
From their open maws, moans were clearly heard, sounding like tortured
souls... and perhaps that's what they were.
The police shots simply went through those animated corpses, not slowing them
in the very least. The police officers stood their ground however, still
shooting until their weapons needed to be reloaded. The reporter on the scene
wasn't talking by this point, too shocked or terrified to utter a word.
When the reloading pause occurred, the zombie-like beings made their move.
With surprising speed, they immediately cleared the police cars and zeroed on
the police officers. The camera caught, in that instant, one of the most
horrible scenes ever witnessed by anyone in either the planet or the Lucky
Star.
A zombie grabbed an officer, and in a swift movement forced its victim's face
to get close to it, in all appearances to give it a kiss. But what happened
was more terrible in scope: when their faces were no more than two inches
apart, a sudden flash of white-bluish light appeared on the eyes and mouth of
the policeman... and was immediately siphoned by the zombie. The process was
apparently a very painful one, since the unfortunate victim began screaming
with all his strength.
It only took seconds for all his life energy to be removed. During the whole
process, the policeman's body began to shrink on itself, his screams growing
weaker by the second. Finally, what remained was nothing more than a
desiccated skeleton covered with paper-thin skin, no trace of life whatsoever
on it. At the same time, the zombie began to glow a white light. When no more
lifeforce could be extracted, it simply let the remains drop. Raising its
hands, the light immediately coalesced between them, forming a glowing white
orb. Once fully formed, the orb suddenly shot away from its hands, heading
towards the black spire. Its mission fulfilled, the zombie began to look
around for more victims.
The same process was repeated with another victim, the action echoed by other
zombies having captured more officers. When the killing beings turned their
attention to the reporter, he began to walk away, at the same time stammering.
+ N-n-n-no... s-s-step away... d-d-d-don't come any closer... no... no...
don't kill me... please... no... no! +
His pleas, however, were unheard. With unnatural speed, three zombies pounced
on him, the reporter screaming with all his strength. Suddenly, the image
wavered, indicating that the cameraman had suffered the same fate. That was
the last scene before being replaced by static. A few seconds later, the logo
of channel 14 appeared, a voice-over being heard.
+ The Diet and the Emperor have issued a state of emergency. By their decree,
all citizens have to evacuate Tokyo immediately. Repeat. By imperial decree,
all citizens have to evacuate Tokyo immediately. +
Without a word, captain Vardeen closed the connection. Nobody said a thing;
after all, talking was superfluous at this point. Standing up, he looked
around at his officers, seeing in their faces and eyes what he himself was
feeling: shock, horror, nausea... but prevalent above those feelings, was
rage, and a need to stop whatever was happening on the planet.
Looking at Serena, his eyes and expression asked a question. She nodded, and
left the war room. When the door closed behind her, he addressed his officers.
"Gentlemen... we strike as soon as we arrive at earth. Get ready."
Nobody answered. There was no need for that. All of them knew in their hearts
and souls that this was the final battle, that everything had come down to
them... either they managed to triumph, or the fate of the Multiverse was
sealed with total darkness.
In complete silence, all present left the room to get ready for the final
conflict.
* * * *
The Senshi and the moon cats arrived at Serena's quarters ten minutes after
the meeting at the war room was over. Through the ship's grapevine they had
heard rumors about what was going on earth and what happened to the battle
group, so they wanted to have confirmation, as well as discuss one thing with
her. So, to their surprise, considering how much she valued her intimacy, they
encountered the door to her quarters open. Taking that as an invitation, the
group entered.
Much to their surprise [and Tuxedo Kamen's barely avoided and fatal
nosebleed], they encountered Serena meditating in the middle of her room... in
the nude. But what was the most amazing feature was that she was floating in
mid-air, surrounded by a silver aura. Her face was expressionless, her body
slightly tense. Mars, remembering what had happened to her the first time she
saw the blonde in that situation with the Ethereal, signaled the others to
stay calm and say nothing. Then they settled and wait for Serena to
acknowledge them.
A minute later, the aura surrounding Serena began to dim until it disappeared,
at the same time she straightened up. Opening her eyes, she looked at the
spellbound audience waiting. Without a word, she grabbed a robe she had placed
next to her and donned it. Once presentable she addressed the Senshi.
"I take you heard the rumors." Seeing them all nodding, she sighed. "I see.
And before you ask... yes, each one of them is true. Yes, Wiseman has
destroyed the Battle Group. Yes, he somehow transformed the crews of those
ships into life-sucking monsters and let them loose in Tokyo. And yes,
everybody on board this ship is planning to make a last stand against that
monster and stop him, no matter the cost."
"But what if the cost is you??" almost shrieked Mars, her face tense and
showing an enraged expression. "Are they willing to risk you for their
revenge? Do they think so little of you??"
"No, not at all Mars." Said Serena, her expression softening a little.
"Although officially I no longer have tags with the Agency besides my position
as an ambassador, you understand this is something I have to do. Not for them,
but for my birth planet, for all the people Wiseman has manipulated and
destroyed on his mad quest for power.
"This is something we all would have faced despite my having joined the Agency
or not. I'm pretty sure this is our Destiny. But if there is one thing I have
learned in my time among these people and instructors at the Citadel, is that
Destiny, as well as the future itself, is malleable. I don't know if we could
have survived on our own, but what I know is that, being who I am now, there
is a big chance we all can make it out of this alive."
She let her words sink after that. Seeing the Senshi digesting what she said,
Serena took the opportunity to get dressed. She might have been ashamed in the
past by even thinking of changing clothes in front of others, but her time in
the Academy had cured her of that. After all, communal unisex baths were
regular things when you were training in the military section where she
trained with Luna-F, not to mention taking baths in the open under a waterfall
when she trained with the Ethereals.
By the time she finished, wearing a skin-tight white flight suit [AN: think a
plug suit from Evangelion here], along with low-heeled white boots, she once
more addressed the Senshi.
"This is something that has to be done. Wiseman has grown in power enormously,
but if there is one chance in a million we can win, then we're going to take
it. He has to be stopped, one way or another."
Once she stopped talking, the Senshi took a good look at her. In front of them
was no longer the klutz, the crybaby, the insecure Usagi. No, who stood in
front of them was someone secure of her abilities, severely beautiful,
incredibly powerful... but most of all, they could still see the person they
have grown to love: a person who cared for everybody she met, who was willing
to even sacrifice herself in order to give others a chance for a better life.
A person they all have learned to love.
It was Luna-C who spoke first. "Usagi... or if you prefer, Serena. I can't
find the words to express how proud I am of you. Also, I can't say how sorry I
am for mistreating you in the past, for ignoring your needs and wants. You
can't imagine how much I lament having missed you growing up, seen your
triumphs and achievements."
Mars went next. "Usagi... because to me you will ALWAYS be Usagi. I am so
sorry for abusing you, for demeaning you. I felt so frustrated at seeing you
waste all your potential. And now, it took for you to get away in order to
achieve said potential. And look at you now! You are so much more than I ever
dreamt! I am so proud of you too... and want to say thank you. You gave me
what I most wanted in the world: a good friend. And I was foolish enough to
throw that away because of my temper... I'm so sorry for that!" she couldn't
continue talking, otherwise she would have broken in tears there and then. She
then dropped to her knees, her eyes staring at the floor.
Mercury then took the word. "Serena... I am also sorry for what I did to you.
You all say I'm the smartest of the group, however, I used my logic to
rationalize why we kicked you out of the Senshi. You can't imagine how sorry I
feel for doing that! I too am guilty of taking your friendship for granted,
and for that I beg your forgiveness." She also followed Mars' example,
kneeling in front of Serena as well.
Seeing Mercury couldn't continue, so it was Jupiter's turn. "I am also so
sorry... You were the first person that offered me unconditional friendship,
and I didn't appreciate it fully until I thought I had lost you forever. As a
Senshi, I was supposed to protect you, and was the first one to hurt you. I
regret my actions, and also beg for your forgiveness." She also kneeled.
Venus was next. "Serena... I was so used to fight alone when I was Sailor V.
When I returned to Japan, you received me with open arms. You offered me a
place among the Senshi, and accepted me for who I am, no questions asked. And
I was a complete idiot for forgetting your kindness! I am so sorry!!!" she
then dropped to her knees, unable to contain her tears.
Taking a deep breath, Tuxedo Kamen knew it was his turn to pour his heart's
content. Kneeling first, he then talked. "Serena... there are no words in the
universe to express my shame for not trusting you. All my life, I have been so
used to be by myself that I never took you seriously. I made a terrible
mistake not confiding in you those dreams... and more, listening to them. I
rationalized what, deep in my heart, knew was wrong, but denied it. I still
love you with every fiber of my being, but this time, I'll fully respect and
support your decisions."
Seeing that everybody had said their peace, Artemis finished the explanation,
walking in front of the group and sitting at Serena's feet. "Well... what they
all are trying to say in their special ways, is that they are truly regretful
of their past actions. And I think I talk for all present when I say: Serena
Moon, formerly Tsukino Usagi, Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom and Sailor
Moon. We all are your Senshi, your advisors, and your protectors. With all
the respect you deserve and have earned, we humbly ask your forgiveness, and
ask for you to accept our help and presence in the battle to come. So... would
you accept us back under your command?"
For years to come, Luna-C would deny it, but she would admit to herself that,
in all her life, had never felt so proud of Artemis than in that precise
moment. She would also deny it, but she had to restrain herself from jumping
on top of him and nuzzle him to death!
Serena looked at them, her face expressionless. For those waiting for her
sentence, the wait was unbearable, but were prepared to accept her decision,
no questions asked. After what they felt like an eternity of torture, Serena
finally talked.
"Arise, everybody. There is no need for you to kneel before me." Waiting until
everybody was once more standing up, she continued. "Yes, what you all said
and did to me hurt me deeply. It still hurts despite all this time. However, I
am willing to give you all one more chance.
"Keep in mind that I am not forgiving you completely. Friendship and love are
very fragile and delicate things; and just like with trust, they have to be
earned. This means a new start, and you all will have to earn those things
back. Everything is going to change, make no mistake. But if you are truly
repentant, then we all can work something out of all this experience."
Relief flowed through the Senshi, the cats and Tuxedo Kamen. They knew they
haven't resolved everything, but were eager to regain what, in their
thoughtlessness, had lost. No price was too high, but they were determined to
once more prove themselves worthy of her friendship, trust and love.
And in the instant they acknowledged Serena's words, something happened. In a
flash of silver light, the bloodstains that marked them disappeared. They all
felt as if someone had removed some shackles that weighed on their souls. They
didn't question the phenomena, but accepted it and consider it as a sign that
they had a second chance.
And they were NOT going to waste it this time!
TO BE CONTINUED.
Whoa!!! It has been THAT long since I posted the last chapter? I apologize for
the long wait, but Real Life has been hitting me so hard that I had lost all
my inspiration. Heck, I was considering retiring from writing fanfiction! But
this is a story that simply refuses to die until I finish it. So, like it or
not, I am 'doomed' to write until the end. ˆ_ˆ
I hope I still have readers after this long hiatus, but for those who have
waited patiently for this chapter, well... here it is! And in case you have
forgotten, here's a reminder: REVIEW!!! It were those who wrote late reviews
who gave me the drive to finish this chapter, and the more reviews I get, the
more inspiration I can get to finish this story.
Now, for those who might be interested... this is the second to last chapter.
One more and an epilogue are already planned, so if you want to read them,
cheer me up, ok?
I thank my pre-reader and good friend, Yohann DeSabrais, for helping me during
these last dark months, and keeping my spirits high. If it hadn't been for
him, something terrible might have happened. Buddy, friend, pal, Brother... I
thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Ok, that's all for now. Later!