Pluto stood at the Gates of Time, torn. She had to help her Princess and
yet her duty was to stand guard here. There was too much that could happen
if she were to leave the Gate unguarded, but there was information that she
needed to get to the Princess. Knowledge that could turn the tide of the
upcoming fight in her favor and save two timelines.
Pluto had already failed once. She had allowed the enemies of the Moon from the future to travel back in time. The Wiseman had distracted her, attacking her and drawing her attention away from the Gate, giving him enough time to slip both himself and his followers back in time, following Rini who had been running, trying to save her mother.
Pluto had originally thought that she could keep Rini safe by opening up a portal in time for her to escape into. But she had been unable to prevent the young girl from being captured and turned into the woman she was now.
If Pluto was to leave the Gate, others might be able to slip through, causing untold damage to the timelines. Yet, she had sworn to protect the Royal family and she needed to help fix the damage that was already done.
The woman stood, looking at her post that she had protected for countless millennia and fought to let go.
* * * * *
Serena looked around at the large group. Rei had told them about her vision and she was worried. Something big was happening and they were at a loss of what to do. Rei seemed actually spooked and Serena had the feeling that there was something that she wasn't telling them, but Serena was willing to let it go for right now. For right now, she was glad to have something to concentrate on, other than her family issues.
It was weird, but there was something strangely comforting in the old routine of fighting the 'bad guys'. There was something simple and straight- forward about it. They were the good guys and they fought the bad guys. Period. Black and white, good and evil. It was as simple as that. Now if only all of her life could be that simple.
As they talked, Serena felt something change in the air. In the middle of the room a small ball of light appeared and began to grow. The others all jumped to their feet, backing away and surrounding it. Ami already had her computer out, trying to analyze whatever it was while the others circled the light, ready for anything.
As the light grew in size to an oval, roughly six feet in height, Ami yelled out, "I think it's..."
Just then a tall woman with long, flowing green hair stepped out of the light and it disappeared in a flash behind her.
"A portal." Ami finished as they all stared.
Serena felt some sort of recognition tugging at the edge of her memory. She knew this woman that stood tall and proud in front of them, a large staff in the shape of a key held in her hand.
A key...
Serena gasped.
The woman knelt in front of her, her every move graceful and confident.
"Sailor Pluto." Serena said numbly.
Even before the destruction of the Silver Millennium and the Moon, Sailor Pluto had been the mysterious guardian of the Gates of Time. Rarely seen, she had still been a great influence throughout the solar system. She had been the leader of the Outer Scouts, as Mina had been the leader of the Inner. Serena lead both groups but even back on the Moon, she had been intimidated by the otherworldly wisdom that Pluto seemed to give off.
Serena had thought that she, as well as the other Outers, were like her Inners and had lost their memories. Apparently she had been wrong.
"Please, stand." Serena managed to say through her confusion.
Pluto rose to her feet and began to talk.
* * * * *
Serena stared out at the sky, looking in vain for the moon. It was too cloudy out tonight to see anything. In her head she was trying to take in everything that Pluto had told her before returning to her Gates after swearing to come and fight with them at the final battle. Serena had understood the danger of her leaving her post and the great significance of that promise. No matter when, Pluto would abandon her post to fight for her Princess.
Their enemies were from the future, sent here to try and stop the future from turning out the way it does. A future apparently, Serena isn't working a simple nine to five job at an office but is ruling over the Earth.
And the very person she was fighting was her own daughter.
Oh god.
Serena glanced at the dark man standing beside her.
Their daughter.
Rini.
How was she supposed to deal with this? How could she fight her own daughter? How could she HAVE a daughter? Well, okay, she had always wanted to have a family someday. And she knew that she wanted Darien to be the father to any children she might have but...Well, she always figured that she'd have to get married and give birth before she ever saw her child.
Her daughter.
This was just wrong. Was she ever going to be able to have a happy family life? All being Sailor Moon did was screw up her family. First her mother on the Moon had died in a stupid war, then her parents on earth had washed their hands of her and now her future child was trying to kill her.
Pluto had said that Rini had been captured while trying to find her. That the Wiseman had turned her- twisting her memories of her childhood into a harsh parody of the truth. Pluto hadn't been able to say anything about the other man, the one that Rei had seen in her vision holding Rini. She said he was from outside of the Solar System and had been brought here by the Wiseman as well. Pluto couldn't say whether he had come willingly or if he too had been manipulated like Rini.
As Serena stared blankly at the sky, she felt two strong arms wrap themselves around her. The warmth of Darien's body felt nice against the chill night air. Finally the clouds seemed to part, allowing the rays of the moon to fall upon the couple.
"What are we going to do?" Serena asked quietly.
"I don't know." Darien answered, "But we'll figure something out. I know it."
Serena smiled sadly and hugged the arms that were wrapped around her, "We had...will have...have a daughter."
"She is probably beautiful, like her mother." Darien replied.
"We have to save her." Serena said fiercely, "We have to."
"Shh. We will. We will. Don't worry." Darien said, resting his chin on the top of her head as her rocked her back and forth.
As Serena leaned back into her lover's embrace she thought about what else the Guardian of Time had said.
The other information Pluto had brought them concerned the last two of Darien's generals. Pluto had said what little she had seen of the future, indicated that they needed all of the generals to fight with them as well. Pluto had told them that she had been able to sense Malachite's location but Jadeite seemed to be oddly missing whenever she had searched for him.
Mina had seemed willing to look for Malachite.
Rei...Rei just hadn't said anything. At all.
Serena knew that she would have to talk to both of her friends about this. And soon. She had already postponed one conversation with Mina about Malachite. And Rei needed to actually talk about what she was feeling. Serena knew that the girl was probably confused right now. There had to be a way to help her through this.
* * * * *
Serena and Darien eventually came back inside and they began to plan what they were all going to do. If time really was running out they had to act fast and collect their two missing generals.
Ami had run scans through the local directories in the area that Pluto had told them to look for Malachite, central Russia. She found several possible people that might be him. The plan was to go and check out each of the addresses that Ami had given them.
No matter how they wracked their brains or what they tried though, Jadeite remained missing. It was as if he simply didn't exist.
They had all decided to stay in the temple that night. There was no point in going to their respective homes. Not when it was safer together and they would all be leaving together in the morning. Not surprisingly, even though they were all bone tired, no one was able to get much sleep.
And so, when the peaceful night sky erupted into flames, they all rushed out together to see what was going on.
Apparently they had less time than they had hoped.
* * * * *
"We have to do it now." The tall woman in black said.
"I agree. You are finally strong enough and Sailor Moon still hasn't assembled her entire team." Helios said- his eyes closed as he concentrated on the spell he was performing.
He was sending a message to Sailor Moon; one that there was no way she could miss. It was time for a final battle in this war- one where he and his beloved chose the time and place. One where Sailor Moon and her reign over the future would be destroyed once and for all. Where all the crimes of the past and future would finally be set right and they could finally have everything they wanted.
Rini looked at the man beside her and smiled, knowing what he was thinking.
Soon. Soon this will all be over.
On her neck, hanging by a fragile silver chain, a black crystal pulsed with energy.
* * * * *
See, you should all love me now. This is to make up for the shortness of the last chapter. One quick note: Miko633 is an awsome, SM trivia goddess! Thanks for the help with Pluto!
As always, any issues/problems/mistakes were most likely cheerfully done by me after my poor beta, Mercural1, got done fixing the old lot. She's such a trooper.
Now, on to those reviewer responses. There's fewer this time, thank heaven.
roswellachick - woo hoo. I caught this right before I posted. I did one last check in the reviews. Anyways, yea. Hope this helps you through finals and takes some of the pain out of studying. And good luck!
Mage Raistlin - hee hee. Thanks. I actually do love writing this. There are just days when I realize how *long* I've been writing this and wonder if I'll actually ever finish. But I do know that without all the cool people out there reading this and helping (and occasionally threatening) I never would have gotten this far.
Ocianne - well...I hope that this answered some of your questions. And hey, at least its a quick update.
angel313 - your wish, is my command oh wonderful reviewer.
secrets - only outer making it into this fic is Pluto. Mal and Jadeite are coming soon though. Should be fun.
Jabba1 - umm...*looks at the story*...fluff? How about just a really quick update? Deal?
Usako4life - Well, I hope this makes up for the shortness and lateness of the last chapter. I realize we are lacking in the fluff but there was some serious S/D time here. Does that count at all?
Ellen - hee hee. I actually plan on have Sere's parent's redeem themselves. Well, her Dad at least. So you can't beat him up.
Miko633 - hee hee. Hey. Thanks. Apparently I have you to thank for the Pluto info. I actually like the idea that Pluto has been there at the Gates forever. Adds to her mystery.
Oholibamah - Thank you! That is awesome. I love the fact that new people are still finding this fic and enjoying it. And I understand about being picky in choosing your fanfic. I can be a total snob sometimes. Don't tell anyone that though, okay?
esther - Happy Holidays!!! I'm going to have to go check out that story you mentioned. I'm always up for a good fic. And sorry, looks like you'll have to bug me another time to update. I'm actually really proud of how quickly I got this written and out.
happygolucky111 - nope! mwahahahaha! But I will give you this. Serena's parents will be coming in again. And they'll be redeeming themselves.
missaw - I know the last chapter was short. But I really was serious when I told people that I had already started this one. I think people don't believe me. lol. That's okay. I didn't really believe me either. Anyway, I realize this didn't have major fluff but there was a Sere/Dare moment there. Hope that helped.
BenRG - Yes!!! I take back all the mean things I've ever said about reviewers inspiring plot. I was seriously lost on where Jadeite was. Now I know. Woot! I could kiss you. But I'm going to go write more instead.
Sailor Momoiro Hoshi - lol! Thats awesome. Thanks. Umm...so how does the interdemensional cookie jar work? Oh man, I just had this weird inspiration to work that into the story...
Sailor Phoenix - Your wish, is my command, oh great reader and reviewer.
Kaji1 - Happy Holidays!!! Hope this counts as a gift to you all.
lina - you know, I've been getting that a lot. I think its some sort of conspiracy. But hey, Sere and Dare got a moment in here.
Phoeaix - hee hee. Yea, well, I'm trying to make up for my bad updating skills. Just don't expect this to happen often.
Kitsune Moonstar - Thanks. I loved that quote. What is the play that you are working on?
X5-452Star - hey thanks. I'm glad you got that all out of the last chapter. I had realized that I hadn't spent a lot of time on Rei in this fic and I love the relationship between Serena and her so I decided to write it. Those two are so close. One of the things that I remember from the anime is that it was always Rei who was the last to leave Sere's side in the final battles. Kind of says a lot about their friendship.
Mercurial1 - Hey now, be nice to Miko. She helped the story.
Pluto had already failed once. She had allowed the enemies of the Moon from the future to travel back in time. The Wiseman had distracted her, attacking her and drawing her attention away from the Gate, giving him enough time to slip both himself and his followers back in time, following Rini who had been running, trying to save her mother.
Pluto had originally thought that she could keep Rini safe by opening up a portal in time for her to escape into. But she had been unable to prevent the young girl from being captured and turned into the woman she was now.
If Pluto was to leave the Gate, others might be able to slip through, causing untold damage to the timelines. Yet, she had sworn to protect the Royal family and she needed to help fix the damage that was already done.
The woman stood, looking at her post that she had protected for countless millennia and fought to let go.
* * * * *
Serena looked around at the large group. Rei had told them about her vision and she was worried. Something big was happening and they were at a loss of what to do. Rei seemed actually spooked and Serena had the feeling that there was something that she wasn't telling them, but Serena was willing to let it go for right now. For right now, she was glad to have something to concentrate on, other than her family issues.
It was weird, but there was something strangely comforting in the old routine of fighting the 'bad guys'. There was something simple and straight- forward about it. They were the good guys and they fought the bad guys. Period. Black and white, good and evil. It was as simple as that. Now if only all of her life could be that simple.
As they talked, Serena felt something change in the air. In the middle of the room a small ball of light appeared and began to grow. The others all jumped to their feet, backing away and surrounding it. Ami already had her computer out, trying to analyze whatever it was while the others circled the light, ready for anything.
As the light grew in size to an oval, roughly six feet in height, Ami yelled out, "I think it's..."
Just then a tall woman with long, flowing green hair stepped out of the light and it disappeared in a flash behind her.
"A portal." Ami finished as they all stared.
Serena felt some sort of recognition tugging at the edge of her memory. She knew this woman that stood tall and proud in front of them, a large staff in the shape of a key held in her hand.
A key...
Serena gasped.
The woman knelt in front of her, her every move graceful and confident.
"Sailor Pluto." Serena said numbly.
Even before the destruction of the Silver Millennium and the Moon, Sailor Pluto had been the mysterious guardian of the Gates of Time. Rarely seen, she had still been a great influence throughout the solar system. She had been the leader of the Outer Scouts, as Mina had been the leader of the Inner. Serena lead both groups but even back on the Moon, she had been intimidated by the otherworldly wisdom that Pluto seemed to give off.
Serena had thought that she, as well as the other Outers, were like her Inners and had lost their memories. Apparently she had been wrong.
"Please, stand." Serena managed to say through her confusion.
Pluto rose to her feet and began to talk.
* * * * *
Serena stared out at the sky, looking in vain for the moon. It was too cloudy out tonight to see anything. In her head she was trying to take in everything that Pluto had told her before returning to her Gates after swearing to come and fight with them at the final battle. Serena had understood the danger of her leaving her post and the great significance of that promise. No matter when, Pluto would abandon her post to fight for her Princess.
Their enemies were from the future, sent here to try and stop the future from turning out the way it does. A future apparently, Serena isn't working a simple nine to five job at an office but is ruling over the Earth.
And the very person she was fighting was her own daughter.
Oh god.
Serena glanced at the dark man standing beside her.
Their daughter.
Rini.
How was she supposed to deal with this? How could she fight her own daughter? How could she HAVE a daughter? Well, okay, she had always wanted to have a family someday. And she knew that she wanted Darien to be the father to any children she might have but...Well, she always figured that she'd have to get married and give birth before she ever saw her child.
Her daughter.
This was just wrong. Was she ever going to be able to have a happy family life? All being Sailor Moon did was screw up her family. First her mother on the Moon had died in a stupid war, then her parents on earth had washed their hands of her and now her future child was trying to kill her.
Pluto had said that Rini had been captured while trying to find her. That the Wiseman had turned her- twisting her memories of her childhood into a harsh parody of the truth. Pluto hadn't been able to say anything about the other man, the one that Rei had seen in her vision holding Rini. She said he was from outside of the Solar System and had been brought here by the Wiseman as well. Pluto couldn't say whether he had come willingly or if he too had been manipulated like Rini.
As Serena stared blankly at the sky, she felt two strong arms wrap themselves around her. The warmth of Darien's body felt nice against the chill night air. Finally the clouds seemed to part, allowing the rays of the moon to fall upon the couple.
"What are we going to do?" Serena asked quietly.
"I don't know." Darien answered, "But we'll figure something out. I know it."
Serena smiled sadly and hugged the arms that were wrapped around her, "We had...will have...have a daughter."
"She is probably beautiful, like her mother." Darien replied.
"We have to save her." Serena said fiercely, "We have to."
"Shh. We will. We will. Don't worry." Darien said, resting his chin on the top of her head as her rocked her back and forth.
As Serena leaned back into her lover's embrace she thought about what else the Guardian of Time had said.
The other information Pluto had brought them concerned the last two of Darien's generals. Pluto had said what little she had seen of the future, indicated that they needed all of the generals to fight with them as well. Pluto had told them that she had been able to sense Malachite's location but Jadeite seemed to be oddly missing whenever she had searched for him.
Mina had seemed willing to look for Malachite.
Rei...Rei just hadn't said anything. At all.
Serena knew that she would have to talk to both of her friends about this. And soon. She had already postponed one conversation with Mina about Malachite. And Rei needed to actually talk about what she was feeling. Serena knew that the girl was probably confused right now. There had to be a way to help her through this.
* * * * *
Serena and Darien eventually came back inside and they began to plan what they were all going to do. If time really was running out they had to act fast and collect their two missing generals.
Ami had run scans through the local directories in the area that Pluto had told them to look for Malachite, central Russia. She found several possible people that might be him. The plan was to go and check out each of the addresses that Ami had given them.
No matter how they wracked their brains or what they tried though, Jadeite remained missing. It was as if he simply didn't exist.
They had all decided to stay in the temple that night. There was no point in going to their respective homes. Not when it was safer together and they would all be leaving together in the morning. Not surprisingly, even though they were all bone tired, no one was able to get much sleep.
And so, when the peaceful night sky erupted into flames, they all rushed out together to see what was going on.
Apparently they had less time than they had hoped.
* * * * *
"We have to do it now." The tall woman in black said.
"I agree. You are finally strong enough and Sailor Moon still hasn't assembled her entire team." Helios said- his eyes closed as he concentrated on the spell he was performing.
He was sending a message to Sailor Moon; one that there was no way she could miss. It was time for a final battle in this war- one where he and his beloved chose the time and place. One where Sailor Moon and her reign over the future would be destroyed once and for all. Where all the crimes of the past and future would finally be set right and they could finally have everything they wanted.
Rini looked at the man beside her and smiled, knowing what he was thinking.
Soon. Soon this will all be over.
On her neck, hanging by a fragile silver chain, a black crystal pulsed with energy.
* * * * *
See, you should all love me now. This is to make up for the shortness of the last chapter. One quick note: Miko633 is an awsome, SM trivia goddess! Thanks for the help with Pluto!
As always, any issues/problems/mistakes were most likely cheerfully done by me after my poor beta, Mercural1, got done fixing the old lot. She's such a trooper.
Now, on to those reviewer responses. There's fewer this time, thank heaven.
roswellachick - woo hoo. I caught this right before I posted. I did one last check in the reviews. Anyways, yea. Hope this helps you through finals and takes some of the pain out of studying. And good luck!
Mage Raistlin - hee hee. Thanks. I actually do love writing this. There are just days when I realize how *long* I've been writing this and wonder if I'll actually ever finish. But I do know that without all the cool people out there reading this and helping (and occasionally threatening) I never would have gotten this far.
Ocianne - well...I hope that this answered some of your questions. And hey, at least its a quick update.
angel313 - your wish, is my command oh wonderful reviewer.
secrets - only outer making it into this fic is Pluto. Mal and Jadeite are coming soon though. Should be fun.
Jabba1 - umm...*looks at the story*...fluff? How about just a really quick update? Deal?
Usako4life - Well, I hope this makes up for the shortness and lateness of the last chapter. I realize we are lacking in the fluff but there was some serious S/D time here. Does that count at all?
Ellen - hee hee. I actually plan on have Sere's parent's redeem themselves. Well, her Dad at least. So you can't beat him up.
Miko633 - hee hee. Hey. Thanks. Apparently I have you to thank for the Pluto info. I actually like the idea that Pluto has been there at the Gates forever. Adds to her mystery.
Oholibamah - Thank you! That is awesome. I love the fact that new people are still finding this fic and enjoying it. And I understand about being picky in choosing your fanfic. I can be a total snob sometimes. Don't tell anyone that though, okay?
esther - Happy Holidays!!! I'm going to have to go check out that story you mentioned. I'm always up for a good fic. And sorry, looks like you'll have to bug me another time to update. I'm actually really proud of how quickly I got this written and out.
happygolucky111 - nope! mwahahahaha! But I will give you this. Serena's parents will be coming in again. And they'll be redeeming themselves.
missaw - I know the last chapter was short. But I really was serious when I told people that I had already started this one. I think people don't believe me. lol. That's okay. I didn't really believe me either. Anyway, I realize this didn't have major fluff but there was a Sere/Dare moment there. Hope that helped.
BenRG - Yes!!! I take back all the mean things I've ever said about reviewers inspiring plot. I was seriously lost on where Jadeite was. Now I know. Woot! I could kiss you. But I'm going to go write more instead.
Sailor Momoiro Hoshi - lol! Thats awesome. Thanks. Umm...so how does the interdemensional cookie jar work? Oh man, I just had this weird inspiration to work that into the story...
Sailor Phoenix - Your wish, is my command, oh great reader and reviewer.
Kaji1 - Happy Holidays!!! Hope this counts as a gift to you all.
lina - you know, I've been getting that a lot. I think its some sort of conspiracy. But hey, Sere and Dare got a moment in here.
Phoeaix - hee hee. Yea, well, I'm trying to make up for my bad updating skills. Just don't expect this to happen often.
Kitsune Moonstar - Thanks. I loved that quote. What is the play that you are working on?
X5-452Star - hey thanks. I'm glad you got that all out of the last chapter. I had realized that I hadn't spent a lot of time on Rei in this fic and I love the relationship between Serena and her so I decided to write it. Those two are so close. One of the things that I remember from the anime is that it was always Rei who was the last to leave Sere's side in the final battles. Kind of says a lot about their friendship.
Mercurial1 - Hey now, be nice to Miko. She helped the story.