AN: hello, min'na-san. So here we are, the last chap. . . gosh, my very first story almost completed! I'm sooo happy. anyways, first things first.
Lady Imp: Arigatou!!!
Victoria: really? In what scene? I'm very happy you like my fic. Thank u very much for reviewing. Hope u like the conclusion.
kirei*snow*tenshi: yeah, you've been my most devoted reader ever since. Your reviews had really kept me going^^ I hope the other readers don't get jealous but I thank you best of all. Hmmm, wedding? Read and find out for yourself *_-
MoonlightUsa: hi, you reviewed before too, right? Arigatou for reviewing again. And I'm happy you *blush* 'love it so much' *blush again* ^^
SteelHeartRose: Babbling is good. I tend to babble a lot too. ^^ Truth is, Kakyuu writing a research paper was actually me. Well, not really a research paper but back in my senior year, we were given a project to make a portrait of a Greek mythological character and write a piece on them. I chose Selene and I drew Usagi. Without the odangos though, it'll be too obvious. But the man I drew as Endymion was definitely Mamoru's image.^^ Well, domo arigatou for reviewing again. I'm happy that you like how it turns out. Glad you found something nice in Seiya in my fic, I guess that's one of my purposes in writing this fic because I did go crazy over seiya at one time(which absolutely puzzles my best friend. She's even crazier than I am for mamo-chan). hehe. Anyways, yes, love lasts forever. And friendship, definitely. ^^
Sakura: thank u very much. You're so flattering. ^^
monkeychow: well thank u for reviewing. Do enjoy this final chap^^
Eternity's Angel: domo arigatou. Err, I know this is WAY off but how do you find mg2 so far? Hate it? Love it? Tormented with the thought of what might happen next? Haha. I remember how I crazy I was just thinking about what might happen. Anyways, hope u like this last chap.
Ocianne: would you read it if I do make one? Hehe I dunno, actually. Truth is I'm already doing another fic, a completely different one from this. anyways, I'll think about it, thank u for the suggestion. Thank u too for reviewing. Me happy you like how everything turned out.
Serenity Komoshiro: arigatou
Jabba1: I'm glad you're happy with the last chap. Arigatou for reviewing.
Jing2: you're welcome and thank u too.
clyde007: yes I'm a Filipino, I am 1/16th Spanish though.^^ salamat sa review and lastly, jerry is mine. :p
missaw: thank u. you guys make me feel special as well.
Xylus Star: sailor moon is now everyday at 4!!! *sigh* khit wala n ng ranma, at nag-end n rin yu yu ok lng basta my sm nman! Grabe sobra ngayon lng nangyari araw-araw sailor moon! Sanay ksi ako nawawala yu yu tpos ang tagal ring walang ranma but sanay din ksi akong at least once a week may SM naman; kya nung nawala, depress talaga ako pero ngayon happy n ako. Wish ko lng ulitin nila from the 1st season. Believe it or not, never ko p ksi napanuod un eh. anyways, thanks a lot for that very flattering review!^^
hOnEy-gUrl: okay, here it is^^
moonangel1: perfect? You sure know how to flatter a writer. ^^ anyways, arigatou for reviewing. I'm very glad you like how everything turned out.
FunnyLove00: thank u! glad you like my fic.
Disclaimer: Naoko-sama promised to give me Sailor Moon if I can find a real-life Mamoru. But I don't go giving away my jerry yan so Naoko-sama, you can have sailor moon while I enjoy myself with my mamo-jerry.
"Flying a kite is like that of watching your love one from afar. Even by watching it from far away, there's no feeling of despair inside the heart because you know that the string that you are holding in your hand is like a type of unbreakable fate linking you to that dream." – Dong Shan Cai(Meteor Garden, episode 6)
"True love doesn't have a happy ending that's because true love doesn't have an ending."
Chapter 17: Days In Destiny
"You are friends with Tsukino Usagi, aren't you?"
Aino Minako smiled at the young reporter. Even if it was an ambush interview, Minako answered politely, "Yes. Usagi-chan is a very good friend of mine."
The reporter nodded. Without missing a beat, she continued, "What can you say about her and Three Light's Kou Seiya's break up?"
Minako remained silent.
The reporter didn't give up though, instead she pressed on, "Lately Tsukino-san had been seen with a certain college junior named Chiba Mamoru, is he the cause of the break-up"
Minako didn't answer for a while. Then she smiled and said, "I'm sorry but all I can assure you is that there were no hard feelings at all between Usagi-chan and Seiya. Both decided it was for the best."
"But what about Chiba Mamoru?" the reporter prompted.
"As I've said I am in no position to speak for Usagi-chan and Seiya-kun. But I can truthfully say that Mamoru-san is a great guy, Usagi-chan is happy with him. And I'm happy for them. And I'm not just saying this because I am Usagi-chan's friend first, for I do consider myself Seiya-kun as my friend too. And to tell you the truth, I think he's holding up fine. I think he's quite happy actually."
The reporter's eyes sparkled with interest. "Is it possibly because of a certain college redhead that's been visiting him and the other two Lights lately?"
Minako smiled mysteriously.
Ironically, after everything was resolved to the way things should be, she and the other senshis had grown closer to the Lights. The feelings of doubt and suspicion before had been replaced with feelings of friendship and alliance. Of course, there was still that tension, especially between Usagi, Mamoru and Seiya, but everyone was slowly but surely moving on with their lives for the better.
Seeing the Lights almost everyday, Minako saw the growing relationship between Keiko and Seiya. Keiko didn't even have to say anything to let Minako know her feelings for Seiya; Minako was after all the senshi of love.
And Minako cared enough for Seiya to wish that he could truly heal one day so that he may reciprocate his princess's feelings. After all, it's not everyday one can find someone willing to stay by your side. . . someone willing to give so much love. . .
Suddenly, Minako was pulled from her musings when she heard the reporter ask something.
"I'm sorry, what was that again?"
"I said, I'm sorry, Aino-san, I can see you do not wish to answer these inappropriate questions. I'm sorry I know I should ask questions about you instead. So if you don't want to answer your friend's love life, would you rather answer yours instead?"
Minako blushed. She found herself fingering the silver bracelet in her wrist.
It was strange that she never found true love for herself, and yet she was the senshi of love! After three lives, she was still searching for that someone who would be able to give her complete happiness. . . that someone whom she can truly fall in love with. . . that someone who can truly fall in love with her. . .
Twice though, she thought almost found it.
Back at their last life, she met a great English guy named Allan. She knew she truly did care for him, but Allan loved someone else. It hurt her but she knew there was nothing she can do, it just wasn't meant to be. Then after being reborn into this life, Minako met Allan's son and felt some spark of love but she soon realized it just wasn't enough.
And then after returning home to Japan, she met Minoru, Furuhata Motoki's son. Minako had long admitted to herself that she had always found Motoki cute back in their last life but she never really was serious about him. Motoki had Reika, just like Allan had Katarina. As much as likable Motoki had been, Minako had never let herself to like him that way because she didn't want to get hurt the way she had been with Allan.
But it was different with Minoru. True, he was like his father who had a fan club with a number to rival those of Mamoru and the Three Lights, but unlike Motoki, Minoru didn't have a girlfriend.
So there was no reason of not falling in love with Furuhata Minoru. He was available, he was kind, sweet and caring. . . only problem now was if he felt the same.
Minako smiled as her fingers felt the inscription inside the bracelet Minoru gave her yesterday. . . they were words that opened the hope in her lonely heart. . .
Only for you, I'm willing to be that someone. . .
It was really fascinating to watch the afternoon sun play color of everyone's hair. Smiling to herself, Rei watched on as Chiba Mamoru's hair caught blue and even brown hues.
It was not for the first time Rei was able to watch Mamoru this way. Back in their last lives, she had spent many afternoons silently watching Mamoru pray by the sacred tree. It was back then when she had feelings for the prince of the earth. Now, watching Mamoru's contented and happy profile as he whispered his prayers, Rei realized that it was probably the longing face that drew her to Mamoru back then.
Back in her last life, while everyone else only saw an aloof college guy, while Usagi only saw an annoying baka, Rei saw something more on Chiba Mamoru.
She admit that it was his looks that first interested her, but the day Rei first saw Mamoru praying by the sacred tree was probably what really touched her soul.
He had been like a needing little boy then, a lonely child searching for something. Rei had countless of times wished that Mamoru find what it was he was looking for.
And then one day, Mamoru did found it. He found the princess he was looking for, found the love he was searching. He found it all in Tsukino Usagi.
True, it had hurt at first to see your dreams shattered in a single moment. It was weird too to see two people, opposites as night and day, suddenly falling in love. But as time had passed then, Rei found instead of feeling hurt, she was inspired and moved by Usagi and Mamoru's love. A love that taught everyone around them that love does conquer all. Witnessing a love such as theirs, how can one feel despair and pain at all?
Back in the present time, Rei was still watching Mamoru pray. She remembered how she first saw him again in this lifetime, he had been praying by the tree too. That time, he was asking for help. Rei was glad that this time around, she had been able to give him what he wished for.
But the one true wish of Mamoru was Usagi. She was the one thing in the universe that could give the prince of the earth complete happiness. After going through so much, Rei was truly happy that finally, Mamoru and Usagi found each other again. Once again, their love conquered all.
Rei smiled sadly, remembering how Kou Seiya came yesterday to pray. As much as angry she had been with him before, Rei felt sorry for the guy when he saw him pray. His thoughts were no doubt about wishing for courage to help him go on. Rei knew how Seiya was holding up because once upon a time, she went through that pain too. There was nothing he can do, as there was nothing she could do before; but Rei knew Seiya would heal one day just as she had, after all, just like what she thought before, a love like Usagi and Mamoru's, a love so beautiful and perfect, there's nothing to feel about it but happiness for the two.
"Rei-san," a soft, halting voice said.
Rei turned to her right and smiled reassuringly.
She knew the look of uncertainty in Kumada Yuu's eyes all too well, she've seen so many times in his eyes and in Kumada Yuuichirou's. Rei knew Yuu must have seen her gazing intently on Mamoru for some time now. She knew too that he must be a bit insecure how much she cared for Mamoru, especially when she had been helping him. Only Yuu didn't know that she had been helping Mamoru with Usagi, only Yuu didn't know she had no feelings for Mamoru except respect and friendship now.
Last time, Rei died without ever reassuring Yuuichirou and yet he had remained persistent.
And now, Rei was given another chance. Here was Kumada Yuu, Yuuchirou's reincarnation, still steadfast as before.
Everything's back to the way they should be, maybe it's time I give myself a chance at happiness too, Rei thought to herself.
Smiling once more, Rei leaned and kissed Yuu's cheek just beside the corner of his mouth. Rei watched as Yuu's eyes widened in shock.
"Don't worry too much, Yuu-kun." Yuu's eyes gazed back at Rei hopefully. Rei answered him with a smile, thinking her heart never had felt this light before. "I like you too."
"So, what do you think?" Michiru asked, turning her sketchpad for Haruka to see.
Haruka smiled at the watercolor painting of the night sky with the big full moon. "Nice. I'm sure koneko-chan would love it."
Michiru
laughed. "What makes you think I'll
give it to Usagi?"
Haruka raised an eyebrow. "Well didn't you say you still have no gift
for her?"
Writing her initials at the lower right corner of the paper, Michiru shrugged. "This morning I didn't," Michiru started as she put her pad and watercolors away. "But I saw the perfect gift for her this afternoon." Moving through the space between the passenger and driver's seats, Michiru leaned her head on Haruka's shoulder. "The painting's for Seiya," she said innocently.
Immediately, Haruka tensed up; the half-smile on her face quickly disappeared. She frowned at Michiru. "Seiya? Why are you giving Seiya a gift?" she asked suspiciously.
Michiru couldn't help but giggle at the obvious jealousy in Haruka's tone. She reached for Haruka's hand; bringing it up, she examined the long tapering fingers. "You know how much I like your hands, right Haruka?"
"Michiru-"
Michiru sighed in exasperation. Living three lives sure didn't changed Haruka's stubbornness. "Haruka," Michiru began calmly, "I know he and the others are intruders to our Solar System. But I know too that you know how much they've cared for Usagi."
Ten'ou Haruka couldn't say anything after that. True, Seiya and his friends were aliens to this planet but she had to admit, they did take great care of their princess.
With that, Haruka began to relax. Leaning her cheek on Michiru's hair, Haruka reflected how Michiru always put everything in perspective. Her simple and direct words always hit right on mark of the walls of her, as Michiru kindly puts it, stubborn heart. Not to mention how her defenses always succumb to Michiru's innocent and lovely face.
Before Michiru, Haruka's life was a total mess with no path at all. Just like before in her past lives, Haruka wanted to be the wind. . . unpredictable. . . no real sense of direction. . .
But Michiru changed all of that. Her supporting hand had helped Haruka through every battle. Her encouraging smile had kept pushing Haruka forward.
Haruka sighed contentedly; she leaned closer to Michiru but the sight of a shooting star darting across the calm night sky brought another thought in her mind.
"Still, that's no reason for you to give that guy a gift."
Michiru only smiled; she closed her eyes, thinking how everything in the world seemed so right this very moment.
Before in her last life, she grew up as the perfect little high-class girl. Her innocence was lost at the young age of fourteen however when she began to have dreams of earth's destruction. Those dreams hardened Michiru's heart and made Sailor Neptune resolved to stop the annihilation at all cost.
But when she met track runner Ten'ou Haruka, the heart Michiru thought she no longer had begun to beat once more with human emotions. Her paintings of nightmarish pictures turned to beautiful portraits of the carefree girl. She begun to watch all her games, felt an undeniable attraction for the runner. Later, she found that Haruka was Sailor Uranus and she was so happy that it would be Haruka that would be with her through the fight for peace.
With Haruka by her side, Michiru fought harder to be able to keep the peace on earth. Then after a lifetime of battles, finally peace was here.
"No need to be jealous of Seiya, Haruka" Michiru murmured sleepily. Lacing her fingers through Haruka's, Michiru went right on, "I really do like your hands." After a while she added, "You haven't pose for me in weeks. . . "
Michiru never finished her sentence. Haruka turned to see her dozing peacefully.
Haruka smiled and rested her head more comfortably on top of Michiru's head. Closing her eyes, she felt all of a sudden sleepy too.
"Merry Christmas, Michiru."
Tendo Keiko was panicking her wits out. Since Kimnoku, Keiko had not had as special as a birthday celebration; here on earth, her first eighteen years were celebrated with only her human parents since she didn't have any close friends.
But the last year brought many changes in Keiko's life. Finally, she was reunited with her Star Lights; she also gained some friends in the senshis and Usagi; but above all, she was finally near the man she loved.
Keiko wasn't sure if she had loved Star Fighter back in her last life too. But she was sure with her feelings now for Seiya. Even before when she didn't have memories of him yet. There was that feelings of happiness just hearing him sing. And now to be near him, the burning feeling in her heart was unmistakable. . .
A pair of warm arms wrapped itself around Keiko's waist. Startled from her reverie, Keiko turned to see Seiya behind her, grinning teasingly.
"You're spacing out, Keiko," he started. And just like before, Keiko's heart began thumping. And it really was a mystery to Keiko how a sixteen-year-old boy could make her nineteen-year-old heart race with a single smile.
"I better take this before you dropped it," Seiya continued. Keiko was too preoccupied to actually hear him though. And if he hadn't gone and took the tray in her hands by himself, Keiko would have probably stood there all day staring at his eyes and forgetting her birthday party.
Blushing that she couldn't control her feelings for once, Keiko just nodded. She watched silently as Seiya went over to put the tray down by the table.
Yes. The past year had definitely changed a lot for Keiko. She, who had once went through grade school, junior high and high school unnoticed, was now the substance of many a pop magazine. Those magazines that had featured Usagi many times before, now begged Keiko for pictures and interviews.
How does it feel to be so close to the Three Lights?
She was pretty, does she want to be a teen idol too?
What can she say about Tsukino Usagi? How does it feel to be her replacement?
These questions really break Keiko's heart for she had accepted everything that has happened already. All that she wanted now was to be with her dear Star Lights. . . to be with Seiya. . .
Keiko admitted to herself that the first few weeks after the break-up with Usagi, Seiya had been in denial. He acted all fine in front of the others but with her, Seiya had his shield down. Many times he cried on her shoulder for comfort. There were even times that he would mistake her for Usagi and call her Odango.
But Keiko knew Seiya. She was sure he did not see her as a replacement of Usagi. To him, she was a unfaltering stone of support. . . a friend who will be always ready to be there for him. . .
A friend. That was what she was to Seiya to those first few weeks. But Keiko could feel Seiya softening towards her as the months passed; it gave Keiko wonderful hope that maybe one day she could be more than that.
Keiko smiled and walked over to Seiya who was busy talking to her parents and the other two Lights. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Keiko thought about answering it but Taiki offered to get it himself. Moments later, Taiki came back with the first two guests. Usagi and Mamoru.
Keiko smiled while on her right she felt Seiya tensing up. Keiko figured that it was but natural still. "Thank you for coming for my party, Usagi-chan, Mamoru-san." Keiko said, trying to ease the mood.
Mamoru nodded politely; Usagi smiled back. "We're not late are we?" she joked, noticing no one was there except the two of them the Three Lights, Keiko and her parents.
Seiya smiled a little. "No O-Usagi. . . believe it or not, you are not. Actually you guys are the first to arrive."
Usagi smiled back but Keiko could see her a bit uncomfortable. It was that almost Seiya's slip-up to call her Odango, Keiko decided.
Thank the gods for her parents, Keiko thought; she loved them just as she did her royal parents. It was them who interrupted the unhealthy silence that befell on the foursome.
"Tsukino-chan, Chiba-san, please feel at home. I'm sure the others are on their way," Tendo Akira said.
Usagi and Mamoru nodded. They turned to Keiko and Seiya and excused themselves. Keiko noticed Seiya's eyes following Usagi.
At that moment, Keiko realized she was deluding herself. Just because Seiya was softening towards her didn't mean he was over Usagi. Just because they spent a lot of times together didn't mean Seiya was thinking of her too.
Keiko watched as Seiya's eyes darkened with pain as Mamoru whispered intimately against Usagi's ear.
But at least he wasn't denying the truth anymore, Keiko told herself.
No she was not Usagi's replacement at all, for until now sixteen-year old blond Tsukino Usagi was still the girl in Seiya's heart. While she, Tendo Keiko, nineteen this Sakura Flower Day, was still just a friend.
But Keiko loved Seiya and she was determined to wait. For now, he'll give him what he needed. . . a caring friend. . .
"Shun! Shun, please he was just a skating partner!"
Kino Makoto watched as her best friend, Asigiri Shun clamped his mouth without responding. He wasn't a really a moody person but for some reason, Shun has been acting as stormy as the weather ever since he saw Makoto with Keichi.
Minamino Keichi was Makoto's new skating partner. He was a cute guy with brown hair and bright blue eyes. As the fates would have it, Keichi turned out to be another guy who reminded Makoto of her 'sempai.'
"He looks like him," Shun said bitterly.
"Him? Who are you?" Suddenly, Makoto blushed, realizing who Shun was referring to. "Yeah I guess so but so what? Shun, you are acting really strange."
For a moment, Makoto noticed a pained expression in Shun's eyes but he quickly turned his head away before she could read more of it.
Because of that Makoto was suddenly reminded of what Asigiri Shinozaki said a few years ago.
My son likes you.
He's just too shy to express it. . .He's just like his old man.
When I was his age, there was this very special girl. She's my best friend and I really liked her.
Makoto bit her lip, she never knew that Shinozaki had like her. While she had run around chasing every cute guy who reminded her of a 'sempai' who broke her heart, she never gave Shinozaki, the one guy who had always been always there for her, a second glance. Because she had been too preoccupied in her last life searching for the man to replace her 'sempai' she never realized how much Shinozaki had meant to her. To be completely honest, she was just scared of her own feelings too.
Even now, Makoto realized she was scared of her feelings. . . or was she just waiting for Shun to make the first move? But as Shinozaki had said, his son was like him, Shun didn't want to confess because he was afraid he'll hurt her, he was afraid that he might be rejected.
So Makoto decided it was up to her to fight for her happiness. Time to be brave. No more hiding from the truth.
"Shun," Makoto's voice called out hesitantly. "Please look my way, please?
Shun turned to Makoto reluctantly.
Makoto smiled. "There's a story of a guy who once liked a girl who was his best friend." Shun's eyes grew bigger. "But he never told her how he felt. He was afraid he might hurt her, afraid he'll just get rejected."
"Makoto-"
"You know what? The truth was the girl actually liked him too. If he could have just told her how he felt."
For the first time, Shun's eyes stared at Makoto openly. The friendship was still there but it was yearning for something more. Makoto felt a tingling in her spine.
"What about your 'sempai'?" Shun whispered.
Makoto didn't say anything as she stepped into Shun's arms; she smiled noting how the rain had suddenly stopped pouring. Shun noticed it too and Makoto watched happily as he closed the umbrella they were sharing to let thee sun shine brightly down at the two of them.
Makoto stared up at her best friend's cobalt blue eyes and giggled. "You know, Shun, I never told you before but you kinda look like sempai."
Today was another day to be forever remembered by all life forms in the galaxy. A day that would be eternally printed in all history books in the universe. For today, not only was it the Moon princess, Tsukino Usagi's eighteenth birthday, it was also the day the earth prince, Chiba Mamoru formally asked the princess's parents for Usagi's hand in marriage.
Everyone in the room was teary-eyed as Usagi kissed Mamoru, now her fiancé. After two thousand of years, the love destined by the gods themselves was finally getting its blessing through the altar.
Meioh Setsuna smiled, as the gatekeeper of time and space, she was relieved that finally the future of Crystal Tokyo was safe. With the prince and princess wed, the earth and all of the Solar System would be forever prosperous and peaceful. The once ruined kingdom of the Moon and the earth would regain their majesty through the union of the two kingdom's heirs.
Beside Setsuna, Tomoe Hotaru was smiling happily too. She was young, but she was not that young not to see the complete happiness reflected in both Usagi and Mamoru's eyes.
Hotaru thought back to the last two years; after Seiya's confession, everyone tried moving on with their lives. Ami had gone back to submerging herself in her studies; Rei went back to her training as Hikawa Jinga's miko. Minako continued to model, gaining more popularity than before while Makoto won her first ice skating title.
Michiru and Haruka continued to topped their own leagues as well, Michiru's violin skills had put her as the youngest violinist to ever hold a solo performance; Haruka on the other hand won a title in F1 racing. Setsuna too was acing her doctorate degree as well.
Finally, there was the Three Lights and their princess. The Lights continued to dominate the showbiz scene, while Keiko contented herself with supporting the three singers all the way.
Also there had been no new threat for the earth and for the first time the senshis were able to enjoy normal life and not worry about endless battles. One day, they may need to fight and protect the planet again, but for the meantime, Hotaru decided, just as the others, to enjoy their new chance of happiness that was given to them.
Hotaru smiled as she listened on as Tsukino Shingo asked Mamoru his plans for the wedding. Mamoru told Mr. Tsukino that after finishing his college degree early that year, he had gotten a fairly good job so he was thinking having the wedding a year from now on, after Usagi herself graduated from high school.
Hotaru sighed. How beautiful it was to be in love. How she wished she could find love for herself soon too.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed the room as Shinta tripped over while crossing the crowded living room. Hotaru slowly walked over and offered Usagi's brother a hand.
"Here Shinta-kun, give me your hand."
And back where Hotaru left her, Meioh Setsuna smiled. Hotaru didn't know it, but Setsuna knew a very valuable information about her from the future. One that involved the princess's fourteen-year old earth brother. . .
For the fourth consecutive year, The Three Lights were having a New Year Welcome concert.
Taiki was truly happy with it all. Once in their last lives, the three of them only sung to look for their princess. But after their reincarnation, Taiki had found true passion for the music. Singing was his life now.
Giving his all, he began to sing the Three Light's most famous single.
"Kimi no kaori zu tsu to (sagashiteru)
Boku no koe yo todoke (aishiteru)
Ima doko ni iruno (moonlight princess)"
It was the song they've sung to call out their princess before. Their beautiful princess who was sitting in front row smiling up at the three of them with so much pride and happiness.
Taiki was enthralled with Keiko's happy face. How he wished his princess would always be as happy as she was now. For his princess's sake, Taiki wished that Seiya would just hurry up and heal his wound. Usagi was happy with Mamoru, their princess deserved her happiness too.
Kou Yaten was thinking the exact same things at that moment too. The three of them and their princess had come a long way. From escaping the destruction of their planet to being reborn into this blue planet, everything had strengthened the bond between the four remaining Kimnoku descendants.
Up to now, Yaten still felt bad that for years, their princess had to live without the three of them by her side. Even though Keiko told them her life had been fairly happy on earth, Yaten still felt guilty that there was a time he had denied his own princess.
But their princess was wonderful as one can be; she had forgiven the three of them completely. She had even added now that the three of them was with her once more, she couldn't be happier.
But Yaten knew that was a front, one thing was still missing in his princess's life.
But Yaten knew as Taiki that there was nothing he could do about Seiya and Keiko. The one thing he could do was pray and hope.
And judging by how Seiya was staring at their princess while he sung chorus of Nagareboshi He, Yaten knew it wouldn't be long before his prayers were answered.
The auditorium was abuzz with excitement. Finally after three long years of high school, graduation has come.
Ami was standing by the podium, ready to make her valedictory speech. Searching the audience for familiar faces, Ami smiled as she saw her friends' encouraging smiles. Minako, Makoto, Rei and Usagi were smiling up at her by their seats. Clapping proudly at the back of the auditorium were Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, Hotaru and Mamoru. Keiko was also there, of course it was the Three Light's graduation too. And by the big windows were her parents; but the face Ami wanted to see the most was nowhere in sight.
The crowd looked at Ami expectantly, waiting for her to begin her speech. But speaking in front of a large crowd was never Ami's forte, she forgot her well rehearsed speech as the ability of speech left her completely.
Suddenly, a flash of brown hair caught Ami's eye. Standing by the auditorium doors was Ran; and between the crowd of 400, Ami and Ran's eyes met and held.
Ran's chocolate brown eyes were silently cheering her on. Ami smiled and began her speech.
"All of us have our own strong and weak points. I could say math and physics are my strong points but speaking in public sure isn't one of them," Ami joked as the crowd laughed heartily. Ami smiled as the laughter died down, "Today as we graduate, we should take in mind our weak points, not the strong ones. I know it's much safer to tread paths that we are good at, but it is so rewarding and fulfilling to be able to say that 'I gave my whole heart and soul in completing this task.'"
Ami smiled wistfully before continuing, "I was a coward before in my last life," Thinking it was another joke; the crowd, except for the senshis and Ran, laughed once more. "I thought it be easier to hide behind my big biology books than trying out new things like sports, arts. . . and love." A chorus oh of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' erupted through out the auditorium halls. "But one very special boy taught me differently. He could very well choose the easy way to topped over me, but instead he decided to work hard to surpass me." After saying that, Ami noticed how a smile spread in Ran's adorable boyish face. His face mirrored that of his reincarnation, Ami's first love, Urawa Ryu.
Focusing on her speech, Ami turned away to look around the room and continue, "So that is my message to everyone. To be able to reach your dream, you shouldn't just as focus on your strong points, you should improve on your weak ones too. . . "
As Ami went on with her speech, her mind drifted back to Ran, how he had worked hard and never gave up on Ryu's promise. She also thought of Usagi and Mamoru and how their love had strengthened more through every setback. Looking through the crowd, Ami smiled at Seiya and silently gave him the message that mistakes in his life would help him be stronger too. Seiya smiled gratefully back at Ami.
"So gambatte yo, min'na-san. Whatever path you wish to take, whether you want to be a doctor like me or idols like the Three Lights, always remember that as long as you work hard for it, you'll see in then end everything will turn out for the best."
Finishing her speech, Ami smiled happily as the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
Usagi was the picture of perfection in her lacy off-the-shoulder wedding gown. Sequins bedecked the gown's bodice, emphasizing her figure beautifully.
She looked just like how Seiya had always imagined her of the day she would face the altar. Taking her time in saying her vows, Usagi smiled lovingly at her groom. Mamoru smiled back, adoration for the girl in front of him was written all over his face.
It was pointless but Seiya found himself thinking that it could have been him in front of the altar with Usagi.
Back in his last life, a cheerful blond girl caught his attention with her silly expressions and naïve ideas. He was so captivated with her brightness that he vowed that he'd do everything to see that she's always happy.
Watching her now, Seiya knew he'd never seen Usagi happier; her face was simply glowing.
And that very moment that Seiya's heart healed completely. Usagi was happy. Completely and deliriously happy. She might not be in his arms but as long as she's happy, Seiya knew he'd be contented.
So for the first time in three years, Seiya smiled genuinely as the priest urged Mamoru to kiss his bride.
The crowd cheered as Mamoru lifted Usagi's veil. For the first time too, Seiya was able to watch Usagi and Mamoru kiss without turning away or even flinching.
As Usagi and Mamoru continued to kiss, Seiya found himself reaching for Keiko's hand. Keiko turned to him but Seiya didn't look at her until the kiss ended.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. And Mrs. Chiba Mamoru."
As the crowd cheered and took pictures of Usagi and Mamoru, Seiya turned to Keiko.
Keiko. She had the face of the princess behind his songs. . . the face of the one person in the galaxy he'd sing for. . .
Once, Seiya saw Kakyuu's face in Usagi. He also once saw Usagi's face in Kakyuu. But now, as Seiya stared at Keiko, he didn't see Usagi nor Kakyuu. He saw only Tendo Keiko.
Keiko. The one girl who stood beside him throughout this long and painful three years. . . the one girl who unconditionally offered her warm arms for comfort. . .
Though from the very start, Keiko had confessed her feelings to him, she never left his side even when he had repeatedly disappointed her by still pinning for Usagi.
Time seemed to have stopped as Seiya lost himself in Keiko's beautiful red eyes. Suddenly his heart was beating hard. Seiya found himself wondering what all of these meant?
. . . maybe it was Keiko's face that was Kakyuu. . .
. . . or maybe gratefulness to her for staying by his side. . .
. . . or probably flattery of knowing her feelings. . .
Breaking the bind of their eyes, Seiya turned back once more to Usagi and Mamoru. They were practically radiating love to everyone around the room.
. . . or maybe he was just falling in love. . .
Stepping out of the bathroom, Mamoru searched their cruise ship bedroom for his wife. But Usagi was nowhere in sight, there were only the white and red rose petals scattered all over the bed and floor.
The roses were a surprise for Usagi that Mamoru had made with the with the ship's attendants for the honeymoon. Thinking that Usagi was probably admiring the other bouquets outside, Mamoru quickly went over to the adjacent en-suite. The different colored roses still decorated the room but there was no sign of Chiba Usagi.
For a moment, scary scenarios flashed before Mamoru's mind. Most terrifying was one, which reminded him of a nightmare back in his second life.
Just then, Mamoru noticed the sliding door to the deck opened. Whispering a silent prayer that he find his wife there, Mamoru quickly went over to look for Usagi outside.
And there she was leaning over the railing, looking out to the
endless Pacific below. Mamoru forgot to
breath for a minute or so.
Usagi looked so much like a goddess. So
serene, so beautiful and perfect.
Her golden hair was down from its usual odangos. And as much as Mamoru adored her hair, he could get used to her hair down like that night during the night.
Her face, illuminated by the full moon, gave her a surreal appearance. Her rose red lips curved into a sweet smile.
Then and there, Mamoru knew that the picture Usagi now made would be forever engraved in his memory. A portrait of a perfect angel. As if sensing his presence, Usagi turned towards the door where Mamoru stay rooted on spot. She smiled sweetly at him.
Mamoru smiled back as he walked to stand behind his wife. Pulling her to him, Mamoru delighted at the feel of Usagi's silk peignoir against his bare chest. Usagi sighed happily, leaning back her head to rest on Mamoru's shoulder.
"What were you thinking?" Mamoru's voice came low and husky.
"Nothing much, Mamo-chan. It's just that I can't believe we're really married."
Mamoru smiled against Usagi's hair. He too was having a hard time believing they were really married too. Finally after three lives, after two millennia of waiting, he and his princess were married.
Once before in their second life, he had pushed Usagi away because of nightmares that said of her demise if they ever wed. Scared to his very soul, Mamoru ignored the pain he inflicted in both his and Usagi's heart just to keep her safe.
At the end, he and Usagi had worked everything out. They found out too that the dreams were warnings from his future self. It was King Endymion's way to let both Mamoru and Usagi know that the future held many more trials for them; but they must believe that their love was more powerful than any other force in the universe.
Mamoru kissed the top of Usagi's hair. The two of them were married but if the future still held more difficulties for them, he was determined to face them all. As long as Usagi was beside him, he knew he could face any danger. As long her love was with him, he was prepared for any risk. He died not once for her already, and if one day it calls for it, he would be ready to give up his life all over again. All for her.
All for her. His love. His soul mate. His princess. His Sailor Moon. His Usako.
A sudden night breeze shook Mamoru out of his reverie as he felt his love tremble. He tighten his arms around her, running his hands on her exposed skin.
"Cold?"
Usagi nodded, shivering even more. She turned her head to stare back at Mamoru. His piercing gaze made her blush but she didn't look away.
"Come back inside with me," Mamoru whispered in Usagi's ear.
Kissing her husband full in the lips, Usagi let Mamoru lead the way back to their bedroom.
Something warm touched the back of Usagi's neck. She smiled, leaning more to the source of warmth.
"Usako," the voice so beautiful, so dream-like whispered in her ear.
Very slowly, Usagi moved on her back; opening her eyes, she gazed back at Mamoru's adoring blue eyes.
Instantly, Usagi forgot the sleepiness she felt as she marveled at how beautiful this man above her was.
"Ohayo, Usako," Mamoru whispered, lips touching her lobe, his hand stroking her curve of her stomach; Usagi shivered in the pleasurable feelings his touch was doing on her skin. "Sleep well. . .?"
Usagi blushed. Mamoru chuckled as Usagi turned her eyes shyly away.
Last night, 30th of June, 2024, her 19th birthday, was also her wedding night. Years ago, on her 14th, Seiya had proclaimed love to her. That night, she was puzzled as to why she could not return his words.
But last night, Usagi had found herself repeating loving words over and over again in response to Mamoru's passion.
Years ago too, Seiya gave her a locket that symbolized his love. Usagi thought it was the most precious gift then.
Yet last night, Usagi found something much more precious.
Love. For the first time in two millennia, Usagi and Mamoru were able to experience and express completely the love in their hearts. The love that had transcended time and space. . .
As if hearing her thoughts, Mamoru pressed soft kisses on the side of Usagi's neck. She turned back to Mamoru and smiled at him. He smiled back as he tenderly touched her hair. He was enchanted by the way the rose petals were all over her, complimenting her perfection even more.
. . . the love so pure and true it defeated all hardships and trials. . .
Cupping his face in her hands, Usagi pulled Mamoru down and gave him a kiss. It was chase compared to all those she gave him last night, but pressed to him as she was, Usagi felt how Mamoru's heart began to pound faster and louder. Suddenly, her own heart caught Mamoru's pace. Mamoru began to return her kiss with so much zeal that it took Usagi's breath away. Wrapping her arms around his neck, as his encircled her waist, Usagi answered her husband with equal passion.
. . . the love so strong and great that would last for at least another millennium. . .
Running out of breath, the two lovers pulled apart. They stared long and deeply into each other's eyes. Both were thrilled to see the contentment and complete happiness reflected in their partner's eyes.
"Aish'teru, Usako."
"Aish'teru, Mamo-chan."
AN: that's it min'na. The last chap of my humble fic. Sorry if it was a bit lengthy, hehe, I didn't know it would turn out this long. Hope you don't mind but I really wanted to give resolution to the other senshis' lives as well.
Min'na, I'm sorry if this chap was a letdown, I had no idea what crap I was writing till I had it finished. I was so annoyed with what I wrote, that's why there was this long delay of update coz I really didn't want to post it. Gomen gomen.
Anyways, I have a new fic posted by the way, min'na. It's a story based on the Taiwanese drama Love Storm. Unlike this story, I don't own some of the idea of that story but Love Storm is really great series so I hope you can check my fic out.
Anyways, I did tell you guys this is the last chap, ne? but I'm sorry to say there'll still be a different one for the epilogue. Hehe. Sorry if I didn't say sooner. Anyways, there is still one aspect of the Sailor Moon story that this fic had not touch, and that would happen in the epilogue. Hmm, in one of the later chaps, one senshi mentioned something about it. . . anyways, please do review. I'd love to hear your comments, suggestions and compliments(I'm joking of course). Constructive criticisms are good, but please no flames! Well, that's it, min'na. Love you all! Ja ne!