Four days passed uneventfully. Ayeka (the Senshi formerly known as Kei) and Mikomi were always at either the queen's or the princess' side, as ordered. Both Senshi were secretly relieved that the queen and her daughter spent so much time together. Umi managed to get in touch with the only system that had survived Eidre's advances, and was now sharing information with them. Koushi reported that there had been almost no travel among the planets since the disaster. Tasuke and Ken both trailed Atlas during the day, then relaxed with the other Senshi at night. The days seemed long. Each Senshi had a cryptic feeling in their bones- no one knew exactly why.
Chiyo had been in low spirits since the attack. She was quiet most of the time, talking only when spoken to. Her friends and family tried to give her space to think. Ayeka and Mikomi were careful to blend into the background when they stood guard over her. One afternoon, Umi had taken a break from her research and come to visit her friend.
"Chiyo, you know that we're all worried about you. I wish you would tell us what's on your mind," Umi pleaded her. "Maybe we can help put your mind at ease."
Chiyo stared hazily at the Earth through her window. "It's okay, Umi. Hakeru told me. She said that there would be nothing to be worried about." Her voice sounded despondent. Umi couldn't understand why Hakeru's words would only make Chiyo seem more depressed.
Early on the fifth morning, Chiyo awoke suddenly, screaming. Ayeka, who had been standing sentinel outside Chiyo's door, transformed quickly and burst into the room. An arrow of flame erupted from her fingertips, aimed at the dark figure at Chiyo's bedside. It struck only a few inches high of the figure's heart. There was a heavy moan as it collapsed to the ground. Sailorvenus ran in from the hallway and lit the candelabra as Mars grabbed the mysterious person.
Guessing by the physique, Mars assumed it was a man. He had a thick hood over his head with narrow eye slits. There was a large sword across his back. She grabbed his shirt and pinned him up against the wall of stone. He let out a pained sound when he hit it.
"Who are you," she growled at him. Her arms pressed against him, unforgiving.
"Stupid bitch," muttered the assailant. He threw her arms off of him, but Mars quickly recovered, punching him in the face and regaining her hold on him, tighter than before.
"Let's try this again," she whispered in his face. "Who are you."
Tasuke ran into Chiyo's room then, having been just down the hallway. His eyes widened at the scene that met him.
"I don't have to talk to you. You Senshi barely managed to beat my brother. I am twice as strong at least. You don't have a chance." He spoke harshly, though his voice still reflected the injury that Mars' arrow had given him.
"What are you talking about? We've never seen anyone like you before. And if I had, I would have kicked their ass, too. Now tell me who you are and why I found you creeping around the princess' room." Chiyo and Venus were both surprised at the anger in Mars' voice. Ken, Sailormercury and Sailorjupiter appeared in the doorway.
"My name is Keiran. Remember it, because it is the sound of your death, and that of your pathetic princess." Before Mars could react, he bolted into the air, his sword drawn in front of him, ready to land on Chiyo. Sailorvenus leapt into the air and kicked him sideways with all her strength, sending him flying into the wall near Ken. Ken pinned him to the ground, his own sword pressing against his opponent's back.
"Give one reason why we shouldn't get rid of you here." The man was winded, unable to speak. Tasuke looked at Chiyo. Her expression wasn't one of fear. . . it was something else. Tasuke thought it looked almost like fortitude.
His breath coming back to him, Keiran started laughing at them. "I will finish the job my brother started!" He cried out at them. Just as Ken grabbed towards his face, the man vanished into thin air. The Senshi stood in bewilderment, as the last of Keiran's laughter trailed out of the room.
"Was it an illusion?" Venus thought aloud.
Umi shook her head, walking to where Ken stood, confused. "Illusions don't bleed," she explained simply. Wiping one finger across the floor, she held it up to her friends. Sure enough, there was a red smear where she had touched the ground.
Mars looked down at her hands. They were mildly stained, too. Probably from holding her hostage so strongly. She looked up at Chiyo. Something in the princess' eyes made her suddenly feel very small. There was a new strength that rang through Chiyo's gaze, and it gave Mars a chill.
Chiyo didn't leave her room for most of the day. Imbriana had found out about the attack and thanked Ayeka immensely. Ayeka insisted that it wasn't all her doing, and that any of the Senshi would have protected Chiyo with the same enthusiasm. Koushi suggested that Mikomi and Ayeka not leave the princess' side, telling Umi to take over protection of the queen.
The princess spent most of the day staring at the Earth on her balcony. Occasionally, Ayeka or Mikomi would ask her if she needed anything, if she was okay. Chiyo would shake her head, thanking them quietly, her gaze never leaving the blue planet. They couldn't decide if she was sad or just thoughtful.
King Atlas returned to the palace shortly before dinner was to be served. He opened the doors to his quarters, softly calling his wife's name.
"Imbriana?" he spoke into the darkness. He took off his leather riding gloves and coat, putting them on the rack next to the door. Then he noticed that the balcony doors were open, letting a brilliant orange light pour into the room. He quietly stepped out onto the balcony, to find the sun just beginning to set- he had never seen such colors! Brilliant gold, purple, orange and pink, endless lakes of color spilling over onto the surface of the moon. How breathtaking, he thought to himself.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" the queen said, standing up next to him. She took his hand in hers, interlacing their fingers.
"Very beautiful," Atlas agreed, kissing his wife on the cheek. "How are you, Ana?"
The queen leaned her head on her husband's strong shoulder. "There is a feeling I have, and I am not sure what it is," she began. "I cannot even determine if it is good or bad. I just have a foreboding feeling. . . perhaps it is because of this sunset. It seems almost other-worldly."
He knocked on her door softly, and Mikomi opened it. "Oh, Tasuke. Did you want to see Chiyo?" she asked. Her eyes looked tired.
"Yes, if I can," he responded.
"Of course." Mikomi let him in. He saw Ayeka seated on the sofa reading a book, as Mikomi went back to the seat beside her.
Tasuke found Chiyo seated on her balcony, watching the marvelous sunset that was taking shape. "Chiyo," he said, walking out to her.
As if coming out of a trance, Chiyo looked at him, and blinked. "Tasuke. . ." she whispered. Chiyo studied him for a moment. Then, her face broke into a wide smile, and she embrace him heartily. "Tasuke, I think I've figured it all out." She confessed to him. He leaned down and hugged her back.
"Figured what out, Chiyo?" He asked. He felt relieved to have her seem happy again.
"I have to tell the others. I have to tell all the Senshi," she explained. "I'll tell Mikomi to gather them all here." She left abruptly, back into her room. Tasuke heard her tell Mikomi to get the other three, that there was something she had to tell everyone. She told Ayeka it was okay to go with her, that Tasuke would be there if anything happened. Ayeka assumed that Tasuke would be enough protection, but only after prompting from Mikomi. Chiyo returned to the balcony, still smiling.
"It's wonderful to see you happy," Tasuke confessed to her. "We've all been concerned that we'd never see your smile again."
Chiyo stepped closer to him. "Tasuke, you have a promise to keep to me." Her voice sounded almost playful. Tasuke was puzzled.
"A promise?" He said aloud. He searched his memory. . . "Ooh," he said with a small laugh. "So I do." He heard it then- the sound of the orchestra practicing two stories below. A beautiful melody drifted up the side of the palace and wafted into her room. Tasuke pulled the princess towards him, placing one hand around her waist, taking her hand in the other. They danced on the balcony, not saying a word. Chiyo felt her skin tickle where he touched her, felt herself fall into him as they stared into each other's eyes. Her soul felt alive again. They danced for what seemed like hours.
The song was winding down. Tasuke felt his heart soaring as he held her- the only woman he knew he could ever truly love. He cradled her head in his hands, bent his neck and kissed her then- softly, sweetly and with more emotion than either of them had ever felt.
As she walked back into the room, flanked by the other Senshi, Mikomi saw a magnificent golden glow from the balcony, and smiled to herself.
"Ever since the first attack on my kingdom, I have been in doubt. In doubt of my family, my friends, and mainly myself. For a while, I thought that the circumstances we were facing were too great to achieve victory. I started losing faith in the powers of all of you, my Senshi, the brightest souls in our solar system. I stopped trusting myself, and my feelings. When I received my henshin locket, I was excited, but for the wrong reasons. I was blinded by the splendor of being a Sailor Senshi. But after the attack, I realized that I wasn't brave enough. I didn't want to fight. I didn't want to use a power I didn't understand.
"But this morning, I saw all of your faces. I saw the determination, I saw the passion with which you all were ready to protect me, protect my kingdom and yours alike. It was then that I realized that I had been afraid of nothing. All along, I understood what power I had. I could feel it in my heart, in my soul. You all inspired me today. You made me believe in my own strength as a Senshi. That was when I realized, that no matter what I felt, Sailormoon will always be who I truly am. I am the Sailor Senshi of the Moon kingdom, the only one. And I will do everything in my power to protect my home, and all of yours."
She held out her hand, as a silver light appeared and then vanished, leaving only her gold locket with the Moon insignia. "I have a suggestion to make to all of you," she began again, turning to the four girls. "We are the princesses, the Sailor Guardians of our system. Now, we have finally been given that power to use whenever we need it. I think we should stay as Senshi. It will bring hope back to our people, and constantly remind us of the power we have, and the responsibility we have to use it to defend ourselves, and our loved ones. Will you help me? Will you fully accept our Senshi duties with me?"
Speechless from Chiyo's determined words, the girls stared lovingly back at their princess. Not five seconds later, the other four Senshi summoned their lockets, and stood next to their princess. Her words at touched each of them deeply.
"Silver Moon Stellar Power, Makeup!"
"Mercury Stellar Power, Makeup!"
"Jupiter Stellar Power, Makeup!"
"Venus Stellar Power, Makeup!"
"Mars Stellar Power, Makeup!"
They transformed together, in a swirl of color and light as Ken and Tasuke watched in awe. When the glitter disappeared, the mild-mannered princesses had been replaced by five Sailor Soldiers, standing tall and resolute. Now, they were truly the Sailor Senshi of legend.
Chiyo had been in low spirits since the attack. She was quiet most of the time, talking only when spoken to. Her friends and family tried to give her space to think. Ayeka and Mikomi were careful to blend into the background when they stood guard over her. One afternoon, Umi had taken a break from her research and come to visit her friend.
"Chiyo, you know that we're all worried about you. I wish you would tell us what's on your mind," Umi pleaded her. "Maybe we can help put your mind at ease."
Chiyo stared hazily at the Earth through her window. "It's okay, Umi. Hakeru told me. She said that there would be nothing to be worried about." Her voice sounded despondent. Umi couldn't understand why Hakeru's words would only make Chiyo seem more depressed.
Early on the fifth morning, Chiyo awoke suddenly, screaming. Ayeka, who had been standing sentinel outside Chiyo's door, transformed quickly and burst into the room. An arrow of flame erupted from her fingertips, aimed at the dark figure at Chiyo's bedside. It struck only a few inches high of the figure's heart. There was a heavy moan as it collapsed to the ground. Sailorvenus ran in from the hallway and lit the candelabra as Mars grabbed the mysterious person.
Guessing by the physique, Mars assumed it was a man. He had a thick hood over his head with narrow eye slits. There was a large sword across his back. She grabbed his shirt and pinned him up against the wall of stone. He let out a pained sound when he hit it.
"Who are you," she growled at him. Her arms pressed against him, unforgiving.
"Stupid bitch," muttered the assailant. He threw her arms off of him, but Mars quickly recovered, punching him in the face and regaining her hold on him, tighter than before.
"Let's try this again," she whispered in his face. "Who are you."
Tasuke ran into Chiyo's room then, having been just down the hallway. His eyes widened at the scene that met him.
"I don't have to talk to you. You Senshi barely managed to beat my brother. I am twice as strong at least. You don't have a chance." He spoke harshly, though his voice still reflected the injury that Mars' arrow had given him.
"What are you talking about? We've never seen anyone like you before. And if I had, I would have kicked their ass, too. Now tell me who you are and why I found you creeping around the princess' room." Chiyo and Venus were both surprised at the anger in Mars' voice. Ken, Sailormercury and Sailorjupiter appeared in the doorway.
"My name is Keiran. Remember it, because it is the sound of your death, and that of your pathetic princess." Before Mars could react, he bolted into the air, his sword drawn in front of him, ready to land on Chiyo. Sailorvenus leapt into the air and kicked him sideways with all her strength, sending him flying into the wall near Ken. Ken pinned him to the ground, his own sword pressing against his opponent's back.
"Give one reason why we shouldn't get rid of you here." The man was winded, unable to speak. Tasuke looked at Chiyo. Her expression wasn't one of fear. . . it was something else. Tasuke thought it looked almost like fortitude.
His breath coming back to him, Keiran started laughing at them. "I will finish the job my brother started!" He cried out at them. Just as Ken grabbed towards his face, the man vanished into thin air. The Senshi stood in bewilderment, as the last of Keiran's laughter trailed out of the room.
"Was it an illusion?" Venus thought aloud.
Umi shook her head, walking to where Ken stood, confused. "Illusions don't bleed," she explained simply. Wiping one finger across the floor, she held it up to her friends. Sure enough, there was a red smear where she had touched the ground.
Mars looked down at her hands. They were mildly stained, too. Probably from holding her hostage so strongly. She looked up at Chiyo. Something in the princess' eyes made her suddenly feel very small. There was a new strength that rang through Chiyo's gaze, and it gave Mars a chill.
Chiyo didn't leave her room for most of the day. Imbriana had found out about the attack and thanked Ayeka immensely. Ayeka insisted that it wasn't all her doing, and that any of the Senshi would have protected Chiyo with the same enthusiasm. Koushi suggested that Mikomi and Ayeka not leave the princess' side, telling Umi to take over protection of the queen.
The princess spent most of the day staring at the Earth on her balcony. Occasionally, Ayeka or Mikomi would ask her if she needed anything, if she was okay. Chiyo would shake her head, thanking them quietly, her gaze never leaving the blue planet. They couldn't decide if she was sad or just thoughtful.
King Atlas returned to the palace shortly before dinner was to be served. He opened the doors to his quarters, softly calling his wife's name.
"Imbriana?" he spoke into the darkness. He took off his leather riding gloves and coat, putting them on the rack next to the door. Then he noticed that the balcony doors were open, letting a brilliant orange light pour into the room. He quietly stepped out onto the balcony, to find the sun just beginning to set- he had never seen such colors! Brilliant gold, purple, orange and pink, endless lakes of color spilling over onto the surface of the moon. How breathtaking, he thought to himself.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" the queen said, standing up next to him. She took his hand in hers, interlacing their fingers.
"Very beautiful," Atlas agreed, kissing his wife on the cheek. "How are you, Ana?"
The queen leaned her head on her husband's strong shoulder. "There is a feeling I have, and I am not sure what it is," she began. "I cannot even determine if it is good or bad. I just have a foreboding feeling. . . perhaps it is because of this sunset. It seems almost other-worldly."
He knocked on her door softly, and Mikomi opened it. "Oh, Tasuke. Did you want to see Chiyo?" she asked. Her eyes looked tired.
"Yes, if I can," he responded.
"Of course." Mikomi let him in. He saw Ayeka seated on the sofa reading a book, as Mikomi went back to the seat beside her.
Tasuke found Chiyo seated on her balcony, watching the marvelous sunset that was taking shape. "Chiyo," he said, walking out to her.
As if coming out of a trance, Chiyo looked at him, and blinked. "Tasuke. . ." she whispered. Chiyo studied him for a moment. Then, her face broke into a wide smile, and she embrace him heartily. "Tasuke, I think I've figured it all out." She confessed to him. He leaned down and hugged her back.
"Figured what out, Chiyo?" He asked. He felt relieved to have her seem happy again.
"I have to tell the others. I have to tell all the Senshi," she explained. "I'll tell Mikomi to gather them all here." She left abruptly, back into her room. Tasuke heard her tell Mikomi to get the other three, that there was something she had to tell everyone. She told Ayeka it was okay to go with her, that Tasuke would be there if anything happened. Ayeka assumed that Tasuke would be enough protection, but only after prompting from Mikomi. Chiyo returned to the balcony, still smiling.
"It's wonderful to see you happy," Tasuke confessed to her. "We've all been concerned that we'd never see your smile again."
Chiyo stepped closer to him. "Tasuke, you have a promise to keep to me." Her voice sounded almost playful. Tasuke was puzzled.
"A promise?" He said aloud. He searched his memory. . . "Ooh," he said with a small laugh. "So I do." He heard it then- the sound of the orchestra practicing two stories below. A beautiful melody drifted up the side of the palace and wafted into her room. Tasuke pulled the princess towards him, placing one hand around her waist, taking her hand in the other. They danced on the balcony, not saying a word. Chiyo felt her skin tickle where he touched her, felt herself fall into him as they stared into each other's eyes. Her soul felt alive again. They danced for what seemed like hours.
The song was winding down. Tasuke felt his heart soaring as he held her- the only woman he knew he could ever truly love. He cradled her head in his hands, bent his neck and kissed her then- softly, sweetly and with more emotion than either of them had ever felt.
As she walked back into the room, flanked by the other Senshi, Mikomi saw a magnificent golden glow from the balcony, and smiled to herself.
"Ever since the first attack on my kingdom, I have been in doubt. In doubt of my family, my friends, and mainly myself. For a while, I thought that the circumstances we were facing were too great to achieve victory. I started losing faith in the powers of all of you, my Senshi, the brightest souls in our solar system. I stopped trusting myself, and my feelings. When I received my henshin locket, I was excited, but for the wrong reasons. I was blinded by the splendor of being a Sailor Senshi. But after the attack, I realized that I wasn't brave enough. I didn't want to fight. I didn't want to use a power I didn't understand.
"But this morning, I saw all of your faces. I saw the determination, I saw the passion with which you all were ready to protect me, protect my kingdom and yours alike. It was then that I realized that I had been afraid of nothing. All along, I understood what power I had. I could feel it in my heart, in my soul. You all inspired me today. You made me believe in my own strength as a Senshi. That was when I realized, that no matter what I felt, Sailormoon will always be who I truly am. I am the Sailor Senshi of the Moon kingdom, the only one. And I will do everything in my power to protect my home, and all of yours."
She held out her hand, as a silver light appeared and then vanished, leaving only her gold locket with the Moon insignia. "I have a suggestion to make to all of you," she began again, turning to the four girls. "We are the princesses, the Sailor Guardians of our system. Now, we have finally been given that power to use whenever we need it. I think we should stay as Senshi. It will bring hope back to our people, and constantly remind us of the power we have, and the responsibility we have to use it to defend ourselves, and our loved ones. Will you help me? Will you fully accept our Senshi duties with me?"
Speechless from Chiyo's determined words, the girls stared lovingly back at their princess. Not five seconds later, the other four Senshi summoned their lockets, and stood next to their princess. Her words at touched each of them deeply.
"Silver Moon Stellar Power, Makeup!"
"Mercury Stellar Power, Makeup!"
"Jupiter Stellar Power, Makeup!"
"Venus Stellar Power, Makeup!"
"Mars Stellar Power, Makeup!"
They transformed together, in a swirl of color and light as Ken and Tasuke watched in awe. When the glitter disappeared, the mild-mannered princesses had been replaced by five Sailor Soldiers, standing tall and resolute. Now, they were truly the Sailor Senshi of legend.