Ooh, I can't wait to start this chapter, minna. It's going to be very fun to write.
Let's quickly do our review thing! I LOVE YOU GUYS FOR REVIEWING! You probably have no idea unless you are a writer yourself—which most of you are, duh me—how much it helps to get some good, encouraging reviews! So I have to reply back!
Stupid formatting. For some reason, that last chapter was updated without any of the italics I'd used! Bah. I hope this time it doesn't do that.
Koldy: Word. Lol, thanks for reading and reviewing!
WingsofaDream: I wouldn't want one of my most helpful reviewers to die from hanging off my cliff with ONLY 50 chocolate bars! Must update and save reviewer! Hah hah, I admit, that last cliffie was evil. But I think whenever my reviewers call me evil multiple times, that usually means they were really into the story and mad at me for cutting it off. I mean, when I call people evil in a review, that's what I mean! LOL! Thanks so much for reviewing, its so helpful! I can't say it enough. THANK YOU!
CatDemon1: Wow. To say it made you cry is like the highest compliment that you can give a writer. I'm speechless! Hope I didn't keep you stranded in that corner for too long! Thanks for reviewing!
omystars: I'm evil again. I hope that means you were enjoying yourself? Tee hee! I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long! I started this chapter like two days after getting the last one up! Here it is, so enjoy!
JadesRose: Whoops! I'm sorry! But don't worry, I've read your story, and I'm confident that you will come up with something much, much better than what I've written! Your story is amazing, and your writing even moreso. You've nothing to worry about. Thank you so much for your very encouraging review!!!!
Silver Moonlight-81: Hi! Thanks for reading my fic, and I'm so glad you liked it! I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.
Starlight Warrior: Wow! I have never had a reader say "Thank you for that new chapter!" I mean, all the reviews I got made my day over and over again, but yours was particularly refreshing! Thanks so much! And thanks also for the good luck wish! I think I'll need it to sort out all the ideas flying around in my head.
Pamela: I'm sorry! Sometimes I just can't resist throwing a cliffhanger in! LOL! I hope I didn't keep you hanging too long! Enjoy!
cardcaptor eternity: I'm glad you like it! Here's the update! Enjoy!
Now, let's see if I can get all of this out without messing it all up. Enjoy this chapter! And please review!!!
-Moon Pie
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Chapter Six: Enlightened
"But I feel I have already betrayed her because I am in love with another."
It was 2:00 in the morning and Usagi was still awake. Trying to force herself to stay awake, because she dreaded the last dream. It had an ominous feel to it. Luna, after practically begging Usagi to speak with her, confide in her, say anything, gave up and settled into an aggravated doze.
Usagi sat motionless on the seat next to her window. She took in the stars, the waxing moon, the curve of the sky… every little miracle that she'd never tried to understand was simply nothing compared to the latest miracle in her life.
She averted her eyes, afraid to ask. "Why do you search for her, Tuxedo Kamen?" she asked instead, gazing at the moon she loved so much.
Why had the fates put this on her shoulders? She was only 15 (almost 16!) years old, a young, clumsy girl who struggled in school. How could the changing of history have anything to do with her? Why not give the responsibility who had been in the past, one who knew exactly what happened?
She began to cry, silently, shoulders violently shaking, tears falling from her tumultuous blue eyes.
"I'm supposed to change history, according to that horrid prophesy… now I've just screwed with destiny."
He smiled, finding her nervousness endearing, and humored the question. "I search for her because she can give me my memories." He went on to explain about the horrible car accident and how he forgot everything about his childhood, even his identity felt like it wasn't his own. He quietly recounted the only memory he had of his parents.
Sailor Moon's eyes widened, and she rushed to compassionately embrace him. He smiled, holding her tightly, fingering her long blond hair.
"What am I going to do?!" she sobbed to herself. She was happier than she'd ever been in her whole life, but more ashamed of herself than ever.
Sailor Moon was quiet for a moment, letting the feel of Tuxedo Kamen's arms melt into her memory, for she was sure she'd never feel it again. Then, she pulled slightly away, but stayed in his arms, moving so she could see his face.
"Who is it that you love, Tuxedo Kamen?" she asked, bravely.
Usagi put a finger to the window, and traced the outline of the moon. She recalled all of the horrible events that had happened there, and wondered why they had fallen on her. "I wasn't there…" she whispered. "But why do I feel that I am to blame for it all? Because I wasn't there? I couldn't help that. I don't understand… I don't even know who I am."
Tuxedo Kamen was quiet for a moment, taking in another deep breath. Sailor Moon wished more than anything that she could see his eyes.
He took Sailor Moon's face in both of his hands, very gently. "I am my own enemy."
Usagi began to walk slowly around her room. She had to stay awake, she couldn't be forced to watch another couple fight to the death. She had to memorize the feeling. She had to remember how wonderful it felt to be in love, even when it is against destiny.
"Then why does it feel so right?!" she asked agonized of the night.
Sailor Moon's eyes widened as the pieces clicked.
"Yes. I love you, Tsukino Usagi… Sailor Moon…" Tuxedo Kamen whispered, tracing the corner of her lips very tenderly with his finger.
Sailor Moon reached very slowly up, and took his mask in both hands, slowly pulling it away from his face.
"How could have I not known it?" she sobbed. "Mamoru!" She fell into his arms, crying out her relief and joy into his chest. He pulled her closer, burying his face into her hair.
"I've betrayed the one I was born to protect."
Finally, Tuxedo Kamen could stand it no longer. "Usako…" he whispered, tipping her chin so he could gaze into her eyes. "Tell me what you feel."
A smile began in her eyes, clearing the tears, and moving to her lips, spreading them in a delightful crescent. "I love you until the stars fall from the sky."
Usagi cringed, remembering her choice of words. How vile of her. How disgusting of her to use the same words the princess had!
Mamoru grinned, and took her neck gently in both hands, and kissed her, slowly, tentatively at first, then all of his passion overflowed as the wall he'd fought to keep up for so long, collapsed.
Usagi melted into the kiss, her arms wrapped around his neck, then she began to kiss him back with wild abandon.
They finally pulled away for air, and just held each other. Neither had ever been so happy. Then, Usagi closed her eyes and whispered a word she had never said, but felt so much love for.
"Endymion…"
Then the first vision, the most prevalent one in her dreams, came back to haunt her. Tuxedo Kamen could only watch as her eyes went blank.
Then, she looked into her lover's eyes, still open, and still filled with love, even in death, Princess Serenity uttered her last words.
"Mother, I die with honor, because I cannot live with honor. Endymion, I love you until the stars fall from the sky. Soon, we will meet again."
Then, with a sharp intake a breath, she plunged her lover's sword right through her broken heart.
Her joy fell like a shot dove. "Oh, no… What have I done?!" She pulled reluctantly away from her newfound lover. Confusion and hurt contorted his handsome features. He reached for her hand, and took it fiercely in both hands.
"Usako… What's wrong?! You can tell me!"
She was delirious in her agony. "No, no…!" she whispered. "Is happiness forever to escape me?! I am a vile anomaly!"
She looked him in the eyes, bravely confessing the truth he wouldn't understand. "You are meant to love the Princess, not me. I cannot have you."
"What?!"
Resign calmed her. "I have seen you in my dreams. You are Prince Endymion. You seek Serenity, who is the only one who can give you back both your memories of your present and your past. Not me."
Tuxedo Kamen was silent as he took all of this in, but kept her hand tightly in his own. Somehow, he knew she was right about his being the prince, but he couldn't imagine loving anyone but her.
"You may be right about me being Endymion. But you are wrong. I love you, and together, we can overcome whatever problems we must face."
It pained Sailor Moon to hear his confession again. She began to cry again, this time with noble acceptance. "Prince Endymion…Tuxedo Kamen… Mamo-chan… I do not deny my love for you. However, I am denied the right to hold it."
With this, she turned and ran off, weeping.
Usagi remembered the scene with faded misery. He hadn't followed her. He only called after her, with confidence she lacked and the patience of Job, "I know you love me, Usagi, and I know we will be together!"
Usagi collapsed onto her bed, and gave into the exhaustion that followed hours such wild weeping. She softly cried herself to sleep.
And ironically, she dreamed of the Scout of Love.
The leader of Earth's Generals and the leader of the Moon's Inner Senshi faced off in a refined battle to the death. Both were highly skilled in the martial arts, but both were growing exhausted. The twisted pain in Sailor Venus's eyes grew with each blocked blow, each viscous retort he gave. Finally they stopped, and faced off, backing slowly away from each other.
Kunzite's silver hair was matted to his face with sweat, and he was breathing heavily, but his eyes were fierce and alive, his misplaced rage fed by the battle.
"Giving up so soon, Senshi of Venus?" he taunted.
Venus winced at the harsh tone of his voice, but forced herself to remember it wasn't him but the evil of Metallia talking. She forced herself to stand straight, and regain the poise that came with being the leader of the four strongest warriors in this part of the solar system. Her entire body glowed with orange light from within her, and her face was bright with the massive amount of suppressed power.
She took a deep breath, knowing it was time that this futile battle ended. It was her duty to execute the traitor and the threat to her princess, she knew. Venus smiled, recalling every wonderful moment she'd spent with her very best friend, Princess Serenity. She knew that to protect that selfless angel, it would be worth it to delay her own true love and happiness.
"Kunzite, I must ask you one last time, to absolve myself. Have you no memory of me?" she asked him, carefully hiding the fierce emotion behind her voice but so evident in her eyes.
He grinned. "But of course, Sailor Venus. I know who you are. You are standing in the way of my queen, protecting that pitiful excuse for a princess. You are a Sailor Scout; that alone gives me reason to kill you."
"But have we ever met before this?!" she demanded of him, her resolve breaking, and her own glowing tears, falling from her eyes. Her hands began to glow with orange light as her emotions grew.
The entranced general was puzzled. "No. I haven't had the opportunity to destroy you ever before. But there's no time like the present, I always say." He fell into fighting stance once again, waiting.
"It is an evil deed to deny the Scout of Love her own lover. I cannot allow you to do such a thing." she whispered. Then, her eyes hardened and the warrior princess of Venus stood straight and faced Kunzite.
"I love you, Kunzite, and I know you have been deceived. So, I comfort myself in knowing I destroy not you, but only a misled fabrication. But I must destroy you regardless."
She began to smile, her anger at her fate overcoming her. "So, traitor of both Crowns, prepare yourself for death!!" The chain around her neck shook as she trembled with agony and rage.
"Crescent Beam!"
Sailor Venus felt the warm light of Venus descend on her. She directed it through her arms, out her palms, and at the man she loved. The glowing beam of energy slammed into his strong body, and threw him into a tree. He died instantly.
She was still for a moment. "An evil fate is mine," she whispered, kneeling by the body. "I am useless as a Princess now. And without love, the Senshi of Love cannot exist."
She leapt to the closest branch of the tree, and slowly, deliberately, tied her love chain around it. She tied a loop at the end of the Love-Me chain, and placed it around her neck, then tightened it deliberately. "Serenity, where I have failed, you shall prevail."
Then, with an agonized yell of her lover's name, she stepped off the branch. Her light slowly faded from her body as she suffocated. The tips of her orange slippers brushed Kunzite's chest, and glowing tears continued to drop from her chin.
Usagi woke up, and Sailor Venus's heart-wrenching cry of "Kunzite!" as she hung herself still rung in her ears.
Without a word, Usagi began to sob again, her hands pointless covering her ears.
Suddenly, she heard a knock on her window. She whirled, startled, and found Tuxedo Kamen perched on the tree outside her window, watching her with unhidden concern.
The pain of the last night slammed back to her, full-force, and her tears intensified.
But against her better judgment, she transformed, opened the window, and joined Tuxedo Kamen in the tree. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, and leapt from the tree, landing gracefully.
The sky was black, but the moon was bright overhead.
Sailor Moon's muffled sobs were the only sound. Finally, she regained control and looked up into his eyes. He'd removed his mask for her benefit.
"Oh, Mamo-chan, I don't think I can make it through everything without you."
He pulled her closer, holding her tightly, afraid to let her go. "You'll never have to experience that if I have anything to say about it."
"But what will become of us?" she wondered.
Serenity sighed as her strength slowly returned. She rolled slightly to face the Prince. "I wonder what will happen now, when this is over. I wonder what could have happened between us. What will become of us, Endymion?" She traced his cheek, fondly, with the back of her fingers.
Usagi winced as she'd used the same words as the princess again. She desperately wondered what he'd told the princess back then.
"We will be together, Usako." His voice was confident, filled with love. "I know it." He grabbed her hand and kissed her fingers one by one.
She sighed. "If there is any compassion left for me in the eyes of fate, yes, we will."
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"How sickening."
Zoisite winced at the harsh tone of his Queen, wondering what image in her orb could anger her so. He had just been commanded to succeed where his comrades had failed. Kunzite had watched arrogantly, then retreated to taunt the other members of his team. Zoisite followed, quietly, as not to draw Beryl's attention to him.
He heard voices from the cell in the dungeon. It was Jadeite.
"There's something about her!" he insisted to Kunzite. "Why would she have risked her life for mine, her enemy?!" he demanded.
Kunzite laughed. "Because she is a fool. That's not hard to understand."
Zoisite listened closely, but said nothing.
Nephrite was the next to speak. "She said we once fought on her side."
"Rubbish!" Kunzite barked, waving his hand dismissively.
Nephrite was undaunted, and grabbed the bars of the cell that held he and Jadeite. "What if it's true, Kunzite?! What if the queen deceived us and wiped out any memory we had of Sailor Moon and our past?! You cannot deny that it is possible!"
Zoisite cocked an eyebrow. Nephrite had a valid point.
"She could have killed me, but she did not. Why?"
Kunzite laughed. "Perhaps because you are an incompetent fighter, Nephrite!"
"HAH! I've always been better at combat. Quit changing the subject, Kunzite. She could have only spared my life and saved Jadeite's for one reason: she is telling the truth."
Jadeite fed off of his comrade's enthusiasm. "Yes! And none of us have any memory of what happened before we joined the Dark Kingdom. Why is that?!"
Kunzite continued to dismiss it, but Zoisite considered the possibilities as he teleported to Earth. He decided to find out from the source.
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Again, it was early in the morning the next day, and Usagi was calming her nerves by walking the city park while transformed. She was aware that it was a bit of a risk to her safety, but she needed to be alone and she needed to be transformed.
She wasn't entirely alone, she knew. She could sense Tuxedo Kamen was near, watching, but she was grateful both for his presence and his distance. He was allowing her to sort out her feelings and thoughts but refused to leave her completely by herself. And she was grateful.
Sailor Moon paused at the pier that extend over the lake for fishermen. She leaned over the railing, examining her reflection in the water, brightly lit by the moon above. Suddenly, she felt an oddly familiar presence behind her.
"Greetings, Sailor Moon."
She turned slowly, clearing her face of fear. She sensed a burst of panic and urgency from Tuxedo Kamen, and knew he was approaching quickly from nearby.
Sailor Moon found herself face to face with Zoisite, the Strategist.
"Konnichi wa, Zoisite," she said calmly.
The intelligent man's brows furrowed. "I mean you no harm as of yet, soldier. I only come with questions." Sailor Moon smiled inwardly. That's why he and Ami had gotten along so well.
"First of all, how do you know my name?"
Sailor Moon pushed herself up onto the railing of the pier to feel less trapped, letting her legs dangle. She figured if she appeared relaxed, both the general and her antsy paramour would relax as well.
"I am well-aware of the history that runs between you and the members of my team, but we have never met before, as Sailor Moon did not exist in the past."
Tuxedo Kamen concealed himself close to the ground under the pier, listening closely, and ready for danger. He was amazed at the calm Sailor Moon displayed and his own feeling of fierce kinship for the man she was speaking with. How vulnerable she made herself to the enemy, but the faith she showed in the turncoats!
Zoisite was puzzled. "When you say, the past, what do you mean?"
Sailor Moon raised an eyebrow, but answered, "I am speaking of the period called the Silver Millennium, which took place about a thousand years ago." She explained about the general's previous loyalty to earth and Endymion and to Serenity, and also how the Queen had sent them forward in time to be reborn. She left out their bitter fights with the Senshi, saying only that Metallia had brainwashed them and turned them towards the Dark Kingdom's side.
Zoisite looked disturbed. "If what you say is true, than I am a traitor."
Sailor Moon gave him a gentle, winning smile. "No, indeed, because what you have done is not by your own will. You and your men are always welcome back if that's what you should choose. However, I make no attempt to force you. I only give you information, Zoisite, for you and the others must make your own choice. I am also aware that Endymion feels the same. When we find Serenity, she is the one that will be able to grant you all the memories you lack and free you from Metallia's influence."
That seemed to satisfy him. He opened a portal, and began to float towards it. "Don't take this the wrong way, Sailor Moon. I had to bring a youma so that Queen Beryl would not become suspicious of me. She can see us using her powers, but she cannot hear what we say. Besides, I am eager to see the extent of your powers if we may end up as allies. Sarabada, mysterious soldier." He stepped into the portal, just as a vicious youma fell from it, landing directly between Sailor Moon and land.
"Shimatta! Stupid of me to corner myself."
Despite it, she began to engage the youma in a merciless physical battle as Tuxedo Kamen leapt from his position to join her.
However, before she could get an arm free to fling her tiara, the youma switched its focus to primarily Sailor Moon instead of dividing it between the two. Before the caped hero could react, the youma's arm transformed into a huge blade just as he swept Sailor Moon's feet from under her. The blade landed millimeters from her throat, and Tuxedo Kamen froze, letting his cane clatter to the pier then roll into the water.
Sailor Moon was disgusted at the position she found herself in, praying for thick books, kicked the blade away from her throat.
"Agh!" she cried, angrily as the blade cut through her boot and skin, and stopped at her shinbone. But she ignored the pain, and flipped herself over her head and landed uncertainly on her good leg, She reached for her tiara, but the youma crashed bodily into her, throwing her over the pier.
Tuxedo Kamen lunged for her, but missed her hand by millimeters. She disappeared underneath the murky waters. Before he could dive in after her, a lighting fast orange shape dove in after her. A moment passed, then two young women shot from the water, Sailor Moon, coughing violently and clinging to the neck of the newest Sailor Senshi. They landed at the other end of the pier. The newest addition supported Sailor Moon, who limped obviously from the blow to her leg, which was bleeding badly, but more frightening was the rage on Sailor Moon's face. She quickly snapped off her tiara, and launched it the youma.
"MOON TIARA ACTION!"
"CRESCENT BEAM!"
The newest scout enthused the attack with her yellow energy beam, and the youma dissolved into dust.
Tuxedo Kamen ran forward, catching Sailor Moon, and lowering her to the ground. Her eyes were glazed at the loss of blood.
"Are you okay?" he asked, touching her cheek.
"Hai, hai," she whispered. "It's nothing…"
He rolled his eyes behind the mask, and held his hands over the wound, healing it. It was a severe wound, and it took a lot out of him. He wobbled, and melted into Sailor Moon's arms. She tenderly held his broad frame, pulling him close as he regained his strength.
Sailor Moon looked up at the newest Senshi with gratitude. "Thank you, Sailor Venus."
She heard commotion as the Senshi and Luna approached. A male voice proclaimed, "She's not just Sailor Venus. She's heiress to the Moon Kingdom and the Silver Imperium Crystal, Princess Serenity!"
Sailor Moon tensed, and felt Tuxedo Kamen tense up as well as he looked up.
"Please, Artemis. Go say hello to Luna, I'm sure you've missed her!" Sailor Venus's long hair danced as she suppressed a giggle. Her voice was light and mischevious.
Sailor Moon stood, helping Tuxedo Kamen to his feet. He kept his arm firmly around Sailor Moon's waist as the white cat scurried over to debrief the Senshi and Luna.
Sailor Moon locked eyes with her. She was very, very confused. Before her stood Sailor Venus, who loved Kunzite, but who claimed to be Princess Serenity, who had been in love with Endymion. She felt a glimmer of hope, but was confused about the young woman who claimed the White Moon's throne.
"Sailor Venus, I am curious to learn how much you remember of the past?" Sailor Moon inquired, not yet comfortable with the idea of calling her princess.
"Probably about as much as you do, Sailor Moon," she answered, avoiding the question.
Sailor Moon humored her. "How can I be sure that your claim to the throne I protect is legit?" She questioned.
Sailor Venus gave a mysterious smile, and removed her tiara, revealing a bright yellow moon insignia. Sailor Moon's confusion grew, but she was obligated to the girl now.
"Do you recall the name Kunzite?" she whispered.
Sailor Venus's eyes were sad, but confused. "No. Artemis has not given me that memory yet."
A red flag went up in Usagi's mind. Serenity was supposed to be able to restore memories. However, it wasn't her duty to question the princess, but to protect her at all costs.
Sailor Moon made a fist, and placed it over her heart, bowing slightly. "Well, as the leader of your guardians, Princess, I pledge my loyalty to you and your crown. I sweat to protect you if it means my life."
It already has, she thought ruefully, deciding that dreams were dreams, and couldn't be based on absolute truth.
Sailor Venus took her partner by the shoulders and raised her back to her full height. Sailor Moon's eyes were clouded.
"You should not bow to me, Sailor Moon. We have long been friends and equals."
Sailor Moon shook her head, wondering what that meant, but did not question it. "Please, feel free to introduce yourself to Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter. They are eager to meet you."
Sailor Venus nodded slightly, and moved gracefully to the other huddle of people.
Sailor Moon turned, and enfolded herself into Tuxedo Kamen's arms. His hold was sure, steady, supportive. "This makes no sense," Sailor Moon whispered, burying her face into his chest.
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Wow, that was the quickest chapter I've ever written. What do you think? I wonder when poor Usagi will figure everything out. What decision will the generals come to? What of Kunzite? Next episode, all heck breaks loose.
Looking forward to it? Me too!!!!
-Moon Pie
PS: Please review and God bless!