AN: wow. I thought you'd want to kill me after that cliffhanger in the last chap, I'm sooo happy you took it well, min'na. But maybe you guys are ready to kill me too, after this long wait. Gomen nasai! Anyhows, first things first.
LK19: here it is^^
hehe: by the end of this chap, you'll find out for yourself.
stargirl: wonderful? Wow. That's a strong adjective. Tnx!
Lady Imp: *blush* arigatou!
missaw: and you are definitely one of my favorite reviewers, thank u for such nice review yet again!
Skyelarsong: you're very flattering. Thanks! But truth is, this is the second to the last chap, I hope you still like it
Jabba1: I'm glad you like it. Hmm, actually I never directly stated seiya had the silver crystal, I did give out a few hints now and then, and I also made shinggo soo mysterious, and in a way I was also leading you guys on to believing he had it, so it's okay if you thought shinggo had it. Anyways, tnx for reviewing again.
Sakura: you sure know how to make me smile. Arigatou
Eternity's Angel: I know it's still a bit confusing, hopefully you'll be able to understand after this chap. Thanks for reviewing again.
kirei*snow*tenshi: Valentines was okay. My boyfriend and I had a nice dinner, and for once, without me talking about jerry yan. I wanted sooo much to though.^^ anyways, thanks for always reviewing.
SteelHeartRose: well, I can't say that's how I felt about the ending of the anime though I agree, how I wish some *deeper* side of mamochan was shown. Thank u for your wonderful review. it made me smile after a tiring day at school
Kasumi: thank u for reviewing. You'll find that out after this chap.
Caoilte: thank u for volunteering to help me out but this is the second to the last chap anyways. Maybe I will ask for help next time. ^^ Chibi J: *blushes from head to toe* thank u!Ocianne: and I'm glad you did. Thank u for reviewing again.
tita-kun: well, I'm happy you don't mind if seiya personally confesses. Guess, he really does love usa, ne? arigatou for the review. enjoy this chap, this is for you
Kristi: *with a silly smile* thank u
Ladyfuzion: thanks again for reviewing. Ask me anything if it'll ever be confusing again, ok?
moonangel1: I'm glad you're happy with the last chap. Thanks for reviewing again and enjoy this next chap.
jing2: thank u. enjoy this chap that's dedicated to both you and tita-kun.
KhmerGirl: wow. That's very flattering. Arigatou.
Frozen Fire: gomen ne for the delay of update. School was a killer. Anyways, thanks for the wonderful review.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon isn't mine, I'm just borrowing it. This chap's title is also borrowed from an episode in the NA dub. Please don't sue me, all I have is a few hundreds of pesos that I'm saving for my jerry yan's concert!
"What's the difference between giving up and letting go? Giving up is sacrificing what is rightfully yours. Letting go is foregoing what was never really yours from the start."
". . . this is what it's like to love a person. Even though you do consider all the sacrifices, but you still couldn't disobey the true feelings in your heart. There's no way to restrain yourself from loving him." –Dong Shan Cai(Meteor Garden, episode 15)
This chapter is dedicated to both jing2 and tita-kun, both found out about seiya's secret even before seiya had confessed in the last chap!
Chapter 16: A Crystal Clear Destiny
It was over. The battle with Galaxia was over.
Usagi curled up and sobbed. "Min'na, I tried my best. But I'm so lonely by myself. I'm not that strong. I'm lonely."
Suddenly, she was surrounded by warmth.
With her heart beating wildly, Usagi looked up and found her friends' star seeds around her.
And then right in front of her eyes, Mamoru's golden star seed appeared.
His warmth filled her at once. It was refreshing. . . how she'd longed for his warmth for months now.
"Mamo-chan," Usagi whispered. She reached to touch he glittering crystal. . .
. . . but her hand went right through it.
And then, one by one, the other senshis' star seeds disappeared too.
For some reason, the tears that seemed always ready to start for her never came. And she didn't feel any of the despair she thought she would feel. Instead she was numb. . . and before she can completely grasp what she was about to do, she transformed back to Serenity.
Just by thinking about it, Galaxia's alternate dimension faded away and earth's dusk sky surrounded Serenity. Floating above Juuban, Serenity found herself reminiscing the memories of the last sixteen years of her life.
From where she was, Serenity could see the house where she found a new home with her human parents, Tsukino Kenji and Tsukino Ikuko and her little brother Shringgo. . .
Streets away was Osaka Naru's house. . . so many hours she had spent on that home when she and her best friend Naru were growing up. . .
Across town was Juuban Middle School. . . some streets away was Crown Arcade and Fruit Parlor. . . such beautiful memories she and the other senshis created. . .
Finally, there was Ichinohashi Park. . .
Serenity could still hear it. . . those bickering days when there was a Mamoru-baka and an Odango Atama. . .
. . . then those perfect nights filled with declarations of love. . .
"Mamo-chan," Serenity whispered, tears suddenly in her eyes.
All those memories. . they were nothing if Mamoru wasn't there to share it with her. . .
So with her mind, heart and soul connected with the single thought of bringing back Mamoru, Serenity summoned the ginzuishou to appear.
It really was breathtaking, the power such small crystal could behold. Serenity stared at it, transfixed with the lights that could make her one wish come true. . .
"Ginzuishou, take away any trace that we ever existed. Erase all memories that we ever lived. . . take my life and grant this last wish. . ."
And as Serenity watched on, the ginzuishou glowed brighter and brighter. And with each silver light, she could feel her body weakening.
And with a final burst of light, Serenity's body gave in completely.
She felt herself falling. . . but Serenity welcomed it, knowing the next time she opened her eyes, everything would be all right and Mamoru would be there again.
"Odango."
Tired cerulean blue eyes opened up to found sky blue eyes staring down at hers. . .
Seiya. He had stopped her fall.
Serenity tried to smile. "Seiya-kun."
His sky blue eyes clouded with concern. . . it reminded Serenity of Mamoru's look of concern. . .
"What was that about? Those words you were saying. . . oh kami-sama, look at you!" Seiya brushed a strand of silvery-blond hair away from Serenity's cheek. Another familiar gesture.
"Mamo-chan," Serenity whispered.
"Nani?"
"Mamo-chan," Serenity whispered again. "Did you know I've known him for thousand of years now, Seiya-kun?"
Serenity didn't know she had any energy left in her, but the thought of her love, a rush of energy coursed into her veins.
"He was the prince of this blue planet, Endymion. Before I met him, I never thought love could be so beautiful. Sadly, it didn't last long because my Endymion was killed."
"The pain of losing him then was terrible. . . just like the terrible pain I'm experiencing of losing him now." Serenity clutched Seiya pitifully, "I cant bear to live without him. I need to be with him again, so doing what my mother did before, I used the full powers of the ginzuishou. But this time, I'm using it to erase all memories of me, my senshis and Mamo-chan."
"Why?"
"Because. . . because I don't want to wait another millennia to be reunited with Mamo-chan. I want to be with him as soon as possible. Before it had to take a thousand years, to give time for the people to forget that once upon a time, there really was a Moon Princess and a prince named Endymion. . . that they weren't just a myth."
Serenity was sobbing really hard now. "But just because I erased it doesn't mean it never happened, right? The world may forget how Eternal Sailor Moon had just saved them from total destruction. . . the people may forget about Tuxedo Mask, Mars, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter. . . they may forget about Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Saturn. . . Motoki-oniisan may forget about his best friend. . . Naru-chan may forget about Tsukino Usagi. . . even my parents and Shringgo, they may forget about me but it doesn't mean it never happened, right?"
Seiya suddenly pulled Serenity closer. He buried his face to her hair. "Doshite? All these for him?"
"I love him, Seiya-kun." Serenity said simply as if that alone answers everything.
There was silence. Finally, Seiya broke it.
"I understand. . . I guess I do. . . for I know what it's like to love someone so much. . ." He pressed his cheek to Serenity's.
"Seiya-kun, you are. . .?" Serenity, with the last of her strength, wrapped her arms around Seiya and soothingly stroked his back. "Take the ginzuishou."
Seiya pulled away. "What?"
"Something's bothering you," Serenity began. "I'm sorry if I cant help you. But the ginzuishou can. Wish upon it, it'll grant you anything."
"Even your powerful crystal could not give me what I want, Odango."
The pain in Seiya's eyes should concern Serenity, he's a friend. . . but Serenity's mind was somewhere else. . .
Odango. . . it was Mamoru's nickname for her. . . Mamoru. . . she could feel him. . . he was near. . .
"Odango."
"Don't call me that," Serenity whispered. She turned her head away and saw Mamoru a few meters away. She realized he never actually disappeared.
He was always there.
"Only Mamo-chan can call me that," Serenity whispered. She smiled softly at her prince's spirit.
"Mamo-chan."
Endymion smiled back at her. Serenity stared at him, memorizing his features. . . she could not wait until their next life where they can be reunited once more. She felt her strength draining away. . . she began to close her eyes. . .
Suddenly a tear rained upon her cheek. . .
Serenity turned back to Seiya. He was crying as if he had his heart broken. . . if only she had enough strength, she would comfort him. . .
"Aish'teru, Odango."
But Serenity didn't have the time to react. Her eyes had finally closed off to oblivion.
Seiya's cries became heavier. He pulled the lifeless princess closer to him. "Your ginzuishou can't give me what I really wish for."
He pressed his lips to hers. "Because all I want is a chance for your love too."
Tendo Keiko was leaning against a tree in the quad of Juuban University. A couple of books for her research paper were beside her.
The paper was for her lit class. The professor assigned them to pick one myth from the ancient world, and discuss about it. The paper also required them to support their own theory about the origin of the myth.
Keiko smiled. The moment the professor told them about the project, she knew what myth she'll be writing about.
A story that was known throughout the galaxy. . . the Greek myth of true yet tragic love. . .
Unlike the other immortals, who fell in and out of love so many times, Selene, goddess of the moon, fell in love only once and remained true to that love. Endymion, who others claim was a shepherd while others say was a prince, was the object of that love.
As Keiko read on, she felt a distinct feeling of sadness. The story of Selene and Endymion had inspired so many authors, their love moved so many people's heart. . . it was such a shame knowing for a fact about this two lovers' present situation. . .
After Usagi had walked away from Mamoru that time several months ago, Keiko had finally decided to do what Mamoru had decided to do. She had decided to go on with her life, carrying that faith that one day everything will go back to the way it should be.
Keiko smiled at the picture in the book that depicted Endymion.
Be strong, Mamoru-san, one day, you and Usagi-chan will be back together. And together you will once more create that love that touched not only people from this planet, but the whole of the galaxy.Keiko was silent for the next few minutes as she read on about the stories of Selene and Endymion.
She was so absorbed into the book, she didn't realize someone walking over to her. After a while, she finally did realize it. She looked up and gasped.
"Kakyuu-himesama," Kou Taiki and Yaten greeted simultaneously.
Keiko stared at the two Lights, unsure if they were real. Realizing they were, she stammered a reply, "Yaten, Taiki what are you doing where?"
Suddenly, the two got down on their knees. They began to plead out passionately for forgiveness.
Tears came to Keiko's eyes. . . maybe today was the day everything will go back to what's suppose to be.
"Dame," Keiko whispered, reaching out to touch each of the Light's hand. "I understand," she added.
Yaten's eyes watered instantly. "Himesama."
Taiki could only cry silently.
The happiness in Keiko's heart was overwhelming. All the sadness of the past was nothing compared to the happiness flowing in her heart now.
"Stop it, people can see," Keiko teased. She smiled happily at Taiki and Yaten. . . no Star Maker and Star Healer. . .
"What would your fans say if they see you like this?"
The tense mood was broken with that. Finally, Taiki and Yaten smiled. They stood up and offered her a hand.
"Please come with us, himesama," Taiki said.
"Doko?"
"To Seiya." Yaten tightened his hold on Keiko's hand. "It's time that he faces the truth too."
A glass drops to the floor. It breaks into a million of pieces.
"Rei-chan, daijoubo?"
Rei turned to Ami, her eyes impossibly large. She opened her mouth but no words came out.
"What? What is it, Rei-chan?" Minako asked worriedly.
"I. . . I had a vision. . . just now."
"A vision?" Makoto echoed. "Is everything alright? You're so pale."
Rei's eyes began to water. She hid her face in her hands and sobbed. "Usagi-chan. . ."
"Usagi-chan?" Ami echoed. "Oh kami-sama, is she alright?"
Rei nodded. She looked at the girls and smiled reassuringly. "Remember that dream I told you about? That dream Usagi-chan said she always had before? The dream she sees a girl enclosed in a crystal?"
"Yes, that's the dream used to have when she first met Mamoru-san," Makoto added.
Rei nodded. "I have always suspected that the girl inside was Serenity-hime."
"But why is Serenity-hime enclosed in a crystal?" Minako asked confused.
"Because he made it that way."
"He? Who's he? He made what way?" Minako prompted.
"Seiya. He has the ginzuishou. He was using it to tie Usagi-chan to his side."
Seiya stared at Usagi's reaction. He waited for some look of disgust and hatred.
But nothing was in her eyes except shock and disbelief.
A bit encouraged by her response, Seiya continued his story. "I don't know if I actually realized that I was clutching the ginzuishou as I whispered those words. But since I was, I guess that's the reason I was reborn next to you. . . to have my chance."
Seiya waited for Usagi to say anything. Still she remained silent.
"When we were young, I have noticed you from the very beginning. But you never looked my way. Standing by my balcony, I have always been wanting for you to come out and turn your head to me. Finally one August morning, you came out. I think that was my first real wish. . . I wanted you to look my way. . . suddenly you did."
The tears that Seiya had been controlling so far, finally escaped his eyes. "Everyday I waited until you would come out again. . . you never did. Until exactly one year, you came out again. I wished that once again you'll look my way. . . you did."
"I must have spoiled myself. . . because my wishes always came true, I began to wish more and more. But I truly didn't know then about the ginzuishou yet. When I wished to be friends with you, and it came true, I didn't know it was because of a crystal I have with me. When I wished that you be my girlfriend, I didn't know it was the crystal that made it come true."
Usagi turned her eyes away. "So. . . how long have you known?"
"The day I heard you playing the piano. . . that music you said was from a distant memory. . . I think something woke up in me. I tried to suppress those unwanted thoughts until one day I. . . I saw Kakyuu-hime. . . "
Usagi jerked her head back towards Seiya. "You saw your princess? When?"
"On the way to meet Aino Minako for the first time. . . I saw her. . . Seeing her, all those memories I've been keeping at bay suddenly surfaced. Remember how I was acting strange for days? Minako told me to tell you the truth but I didn't because I know it means losing you. . . in my mind, I have twisted everything and made myself believe that I can be the one to make you truly happy."
"But now I know I was just being selfish. I was selfish that's why I wished Mamoru not to be in your birthday. . . I was selfish that's why I wished you to stay with me always. . . I was selfish that's why I-"
Seiya's words failed away as Usagi suddenly wrapped her arms around him.
"It's okay, Seiya," she soothed.
Seiya's tears came harder. He clutched Usagi tighter to him. "Gomen nasai. . . gomen nasai."
Usagi nodded. After holding him for a while, she finally pulled back.
"So what happens now Seiya?"
"Now?" Seiya turned to stare into Usagi's eyes. "I returned your ginzuishou. . . now, I'll let you go."
Usagi was silent again as she reached for the ginzuishou. She stared at its beautiful silver light.
"Your ginzuishou is really powerful," Seiya began, "it changed destiny for me. Gave me everything I ever wished for. . . but one."
Usagi turned questioningly to Seiya. "Nani?"
"Your love. It gave me the chance, but it could not give me your love," Seiya said. He smiled sadly, "You were right all along, even destiny could not control love."
"But Seiya, I. . . I did lo-"
"Don't," Seiya interjected. "You don't have to say it." He smiled at her again, "Do you remember when I told you I'd never give up on you?"
Usagi nodded.
"Last night, I still didn't want to give up. You're mine I kept telling myself. So all night long, I tried to think back to all our years together and then. . . and then I realized you never once said that you loved me."
"I came here today, intent on making you say you love me because I still didn't want to give up. But when I saw you wearing that ring, I knew I had to let go."
"Seiya-"
"Go to him, Usagi."
Usagi's eyes grew large. It was the first time, he had ever called her Usagi. But Seiya knew he had to, or else he might lose himself again.
For the first time in their life, he's putting Usagi's happiness first than his. Even her happiness would leave him broken and burned.
"Go to Mamoru and make his wish come true."
"You're looking very good, Tomoe-sensei."
Tomoe Shuichi turned back to the blond teen.
Smiles that rarely graced Ten'ou Haruka's face, graced hers now. She shook her head and said it was nothing.
The elderly doctor nodded and walked away.
Moments later, Tomoe Hotaru appeared. "You're looking happy, Haruka-san."
Haruka smiled at the little girl. "Hotaru."
Hotaru smiled back. "You're smiling, you don't get to see Ten'ou Haruka smile often. You should really be happy."
Michiru's lips twitched in her soft and serene smile. "I think Haruka is happy to see how well your father is, Hotaru-chan."
Hotaru nodded. "But actually, today we must all be happy."
"Why?" Meioh Setsuna asked.
"Because today our princess finds her true happiness."
Tsukino Usagi was racing down the streets of Juuban.
She could almost hear her old self muttering how late she was and how Haruna-sensei would scold her once more.
She made a turn and remembered how many times she made that same turn then went falling down on the baka, Chiba Mamoru.
Mamoru. . .
She wanted nothing more right now but see his beautiful face.
Usagi increased her speed at the sight of the familiar building.
Seiya need not tell her to go to Mamoru. Her soul, heart and body had been shouting for his. . . just as it had always been.
Yes. . . all the memories came rushing back to her in full force.
Seiya said something about her always waking up on the same August morning. . . she knew why now. . . August third. . . it was Mamoru's birthday. . . their soul that was eternally connected made her know, made her feel Mamoru's pain. . . so every third of August, she would wake up early, feeling pain in her heart because Mamoru was hurting. . .
She remembered all the times, she found herself looking around the crowd and searching for Mamoru's familiar loving face. . .
Love. Throughout the centuries people tried to define and explain what and how it comes about. . .
Usagi didn't know for the others. But to her, love was that day when the handsome prince of earth came to live. Love was that day he first looked into her eyes. Love was that fluttering feeling in her heart every time he was near.
She quickly ran into Mamoru's apartment and raced for the elevators.
So many people find love every day. . .
The elevators opened to Mamoru's floor and Usagi slowly walked out.
. . . and across the world, so many people are searching for that one special person they were destined to be with. . .
Usagi stood in front of Mamoru's door.
Lucky is Princess Serenity that for her, destiny and love meant one thing.
Endymion.
She raised her hand and rang the bell.
"Mamo-chan."
Usagi had left for a while now, yet Seiya continued to sit on Usagi's bed.
He had stopped crying long before Usagi left.
He decided to let her go. She was happy. . . he should feel happy.
Yet his heart was numb. His heart that had only Usagi in it for years was numb now that Usagi left.
He was so deeply in trance that Seiya didn't notice the door opened. He jumped as a warm hand touched his arm.
Her red eyes were warm. . . they were full of understanding. . . and they were wanting to comfort him. . .
The tears began at once. "Kakyuu-himesama."
"Seiya," she whispered.
Seiya didn't know what happened next. All he knew was he hurled her to him and cried. Cried more than he ever cried in his life.
He had so much to tell her. So much to ask forgiveness for but his words were lost as he sobbed like a child.
She was wonderful. . . she stroked his back, silently saying him it was okay, that she understands and forgives him.
She whispered something and Seiya pulled back.
He stared at those red eyes. In their last life, he remembered looking at those eyes and wanting to say those words to her. Wanting too to hear her say those same words to him.
He never had the courage to do so.
Then they came to earth and Seiya meet Usagi. Without knowing how it came about, he suddenly found wanting to say those words to Usagi. And wanting her to say it to him.
But Usagi couldn't. To her, those words were reserved for only one man.
Kakyuu cupped Seiya's face and a tear slowly coursed down her pale cheek.
"Aish'teru, Seiya."
Love. . . no matter how many years passed, when you truly love someone, that love would forever lived on and never die. . . That was what Usagi had thought him.
Seiya leaned over and rested his head on the curve of his princess's shoulder. Seiya knew in his heart, he would not be saying words of love to this girl who held him in her arms some time soon. . .
But he did loved her once. . .
. . . so maybe one day, he can return her words. . .
. . . one day when his heartbreak has healed. . .
. . . one day when he can truly accept Usagi was gone. . .
He wrapped his arms around Kakyuu's waist.
. . . but for now, it does feel good to know he's not alone. . .
Mamoru had always known she was beautiful. But her face flushed like this. . . her eyes sparkling. . . Mamoru was sure she had never been more beautiful than she does right now.
"Can I come in?" her voice came soft and uncertain.
Mamoru nodded and led his soul mate into his apartment. He motioned for her to sit down, she shook her head.
Time seemed to pass slower as Mamoru stared at Usagi who stood there in the middle of his living room, her hands behind her back.
Finally she broke the silence. "Seiya had the ginzuishou."
Mamoru stared at Usagi, unsure if he heard her right.
She continued, "He had the ginzuishou and had been using it to change destiny."
"How could he have gotten it?"
"He got it after I used it to make my final wish." Finally, Usagi raised her eyes. She locked eyes with Mamoru. "After I wished that everything of our existence be erased. . . I wished for it so I can be with you sooner. . ."
"Now it makes sense why Yamamoto Yumemi said she had this dream of drawing us. She thought it was a dream because no trace in the real world could prove it was true. Now it makes sense why you're so close Furuhata Minoru's dad because it's Motoki and he was your best friend then. Only he forgot because that's what I told the crystal to."
"Usako."
"But there was only thing that proved more powerful than my ginzuishou, one thing that defied my wish." Slowly Usagi took her hand from her back.
Mamoru stared at her left hand.
"It was this ring," Usagi sobbed. "This ring that you gave me. . . it meant you'll surely be back. . . "
Mamoru couldn't hold out anymore. He enveloped her in his arms.
He pulled her so very close, afraid she might disappear.
"Usako," he moaned through his tears.
Usagi wrapped her slender arms around his neck and pressed herself closer to Mamoru.
"Say it to me again, Mamo-chan," she whispered hoarsely. "Those words you said before you went away. . . say it to me again."
Mamoru pulled back only enough to place his lips upon hers so his words kissed her mouth. He stared deeply into her eyes.
"Aish'teru, Usako. Will you marry me?"
Usagi smiled. She brought Mamoru's face closer and kissed him.
Mamoru groaned. How much he yearned to have her lips against hers. He kissed her back hungrily. She opened her lips and their tongues met in a searing kiss.
Unheard by the oblivious kissing couple, in the coffee table, a star locket magically opened up to play that enchantingly beautiful melody. . .
THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AN: kidding, there's still one chap left! Anyways, so how was it, min'na? Hope I was able to make it understandable what happened in the past.
Oh about keiko/kakyuu. I found out she's eighteen, so she's in college here. Even if it means she'll be older than her lights, esp seiya, I want to follow the original storyline, so I made her eighteen in this fic too.
If anyone's confuse about Haruka's mysterious attitude on Tomoe-sensei, the reason is unlike the other senshs, Hotaru's father in this fic is the same father she had in their last life. I figured he's still a bit young, he could still have a kid if he wanted to, right? Besides, in the original story, Hotaru didn't get to have much chance to feel fatherly love, so in this fic it somehow gave them another chance .^^ anyways, if anything is confusing, just ask, okies?
So I guess, that's all. The next chap is just a concluding chap for the other senshis as well. And I'm writing the scene where all of us moonies wanted to see in anime but it never happened(it did happened in the manga though). I think you know what I mean. Hope you will still read it even if the story's pretty much concluded already. Don't forget to review min'na! I see this chap as the most important chap of all, so I really want some reviews. See you for the next chap, A Day in Destiny(to the NA dub, I'm just borrowing, don't sue me) min'na. Love you all! Ja!