Author's Note: Thanks for the review! This chapter is slightly late as usual, but I'll try to get it out before the New Year. I'll probably only have a few more chapters, maybe even one more and then the epilogue. So this story is just about over. The story line is going to be slightly different from the Manga from here on out. But very similar none the less. Eternal Sailor Moon cannot use Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss as of right now.
Rainbow
By: Sailor Moonac
Chapter Twelve: Reunion
A rainbow colored attack came from behind Ran and Lieutenant Gingetsu. The attack struck A's black lightning and held it there for a few moments before sending it plowing strait into A. A was blown through the walls of the Research Institute and out into the streets of Tokyo.
Ran and Lieutenant Gingetsu turned around to face the person or persons that save them. Ran gasped in fear when he saw who it was that saved his and Lieutenant Gingetsu's life. Gingetsu noticed Ran's fearful expression. "Ran..."
"...You..."
"Oh, don't be so shocked. We did tell you guys we would be back someday."
Ran shook himself out of his reverie and smiled slightly. "I had forgotten you guys were good guys after you left with Helios. Amazoness Quartets."
"Actually, its Sailor Quartets now. We were awakened by the Queen to accompany Small Lady to the past to save her mother and friends." The Sailor Quartets stepped aside into two groups and revealed Chibi-Usa, the same as Ran remembered her.
"Chibi-Usa!"
Chibi-Usa winked at Ran and held out a pink star brooch on her school uniform. "Lets deal with that brother of yours before we head to Shadow Galatica to help Sailor Moon fight." Chibi-Usa held up her new star brooch above her head. "Pink Moon Crystal Power, MAKE-UP!!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon stepped forward to be in the middle of the Sailor Quartets. Ran immediately noticed Sailor Chibi-Moon's outfit was different then when she left. In fact, the Sailor Chibi-Moon's outfit now resembled the Sailor Quartets and Sailor Moon.
Ran shifted Lieutenant Gingetsu onto a chair after Lieutenant Gingetsu's protest of needing to sit down. "Are you all right Lieutenant?"
Lieutenant Gingetsu nodded slightly and looked at the Sailor Soldiers. "I'm guessing you are leaving then, Ran. I...I trust you and the Sailor Soldiers will be able to stop this apocalypse from descending onto the Earth—"
"I think it may be too late." Sailor Ceres, formerly Cere-Cere, stepped over to the hole in the wall. "A is already summoning the darkness onto the Earth."
"What?!" Ran helped Lieutenant Gingetsu move to the hole in the wall and the Sailor Soldiers stepped aside to let them see. "Brother...A...how can he do this."
A was floating above the earth with black clouds and lightning striking the earth and buildings. Buildings that got struck by lightning crumbled and painted the streets blood red. People ran away from the attacks only to be devoured by the darkness and more red spilt over the streets of Tokyo.
Ran turned towards the Sailor Quartets and Sailor Chibi-Moon. "You have to stop this!"
Sailor Vesta, formerly Ves-Ves, shook her head. "There's nothing we can do right now to stop the Earth from dying. Without the guardian of Earth, Earth will continue to die. Therefore, we have to stop your brother and go to Shadow Galatica."
"There's a Guardian of Earth?"
Sailor Chibi-Moon nodded in response. "Yes, and he's my dad."
Ran's eyes opened widely in realization. "...Mamoru..."
Sailor Pallas, formerly Palla-Palla, nodded. "To be specific, Prince Endymion."
Ran shifted Lieutenant Gingetsu's arm over his shoulder to give him better support. "But...but how can that be?! When Queen Nephernia took Mamoru, Chibi-Usa you faded and died. So...why are you solid now?"
Sailor Chibi-Moon touched her new star brooch briefly. "The same reason why the other Sailor Soldiers of the future are still alive. This is destined to happen, and Sailor Moon is destined to win. As long as there is hope, the Sailor Soldiers of the future will remain alive. The guidance of Neo-Queen Serenity will see to that. The Ginzuishou is keeping the Sailor Soldiers alive. And I..." Sailor Chibi-Moon removed her hand from her brooch revealing her own Ginzuishou. "...I have created my own Ginzuishou to keep me alive. Mother says that means her time as Queen will be short now. Mother says I will ascend the throne of Crystal Tokyo."
Ran nearly dropped Lieutenant Gingetsu's arm.
"Ran—" Lieutenant Gingetsu clutched his side with his arm, wincing in pain.
"I'm sorry Lieutenant. Please, Chibi-Usa, tell me what will happen to Usagi when you ascend the throne."
Sailor Juno, formerly Jun-Jun finally, spoke for the first time that day. "No one knows except the Queen. But, we guess she will die."
"No Usagi—"
"Ran." Sailor Chibi-Moon took Ran's hand that was not used to hold up Lieutenant Gingetsu. "Mother is getting old. Even though we have long lives, we are not immortal. I myself am nine hundred and three years old."
"Chibi-Usa..." Ran completely let go of Lieutenant Gingetsu's arm. Lieutenant Gingetsu fell down onto the ground and groaned in pain. Ran knelt down beside him and slowly tried to pull him back up.
"Ran, just leave me. I'm in more pain with you then without you—Ran, don't cry."
"Ran." Sailor Chibi-Moon knelt down beside Ran and Lieutenant Gingetsu.
"I'm sorry Chibi-Usa. But then again, you aren't so small anymore. I just...I just don't want Usagi to die. I thought she would be the one to live forever..."
"Ran." Sailor Ceres led the Quartets outside. She turned around to face Ran. "All good things must unfortunately come to an end. Remember that." She faced the rest of the Quartets. "Lets get A." The Sailor Quartets took off towards A at the heart of Tokyo.
"Usagi...Usagi is still human. And I love her dearly, as I know you do." Sailor Chibi-Moon took Lieutenant Gingetsu's hand. "Here." Sailor Chibi-Moon's hand started to glow slightly. "I'm not that good at healing, but this will dull the pain."
Lieutenant Gingetsu mumbled his thanks and faced the still crying Ran. "You look more and more like a kid everyday Ran. Maybe you should be aging backwards and not forwards. But either way, you will die or not exist." Lieutenant Gingetsu got up and looked outside to the battle the Sailor Quartets were fighting. "Ran, if you want to accomplish something; to make sure Usagi's life is longer, then you shouldn't just sit there and cry over the truth. Not even a Clover can live forever. If you were still caged, you will still age, just slowly. Ran, stand up and fight. If that something is important to you, you should protect it no matter what."
Sailor Chibi-Moon nodded and jumped out the hole. She held her hand to Ran who looked at her with a tear streaked face. Slowly, Ran wiped his tears away and stood up, jumping outside and summoning new wings. Sailor Chibi-Moon smiled. "Let's go to Shadow Galatica together. Lets free your brother's soul from the darkness that consumes him."
"Yes." Ran turned around to face Lieutenant Gingetsu. "Thank you Lieutenant."
"Your welcome. Just take care of her and yourself."
Ran nodded and flew away with Sailor Chibi-Moon to confront A.
Lieutenant Gingetsu kept his gaze outside with a poker-faced expression.
"Lieutenant Gingetsu." Lieutenant Gingetsu turned around and faced the Wizard Shuu. "I had realized from the time C was brought in as a Three-Leaf Clover, that he was special. I knew that he would never use his powers for evil, and especially for fighting in a Super Army. We must end this Clover Project. Most likely, all of the Three-Leaf Clovers will die today."
"No, all of the Clovers will die today except that one Three-Leaf Clover who has found its wings."
"Lieutenant."
Lieutenant Gingetsu faced the battle once again. "Activate the bomb for ten minutes. I'm sure by then, A will be defeated."
"Lieutenant Colonel Gingetsu, you realize with your brain destroyed, you will not be able to regenerate."
"Exactly."
"I see. Very well. You have ten minutes as of right now." Wizard Shuu snapped his fingers and started to leave the office. "I'll see you in the after life Lieutenant. But if we all have hope, maybe the world won't end now."
"Then have hope, just as I do. And his name is Ran."
Wizard Shuu chuckled slightly. "Ran it is. Ran Tsuee. The past, present, and future lies within that name. Farewell Lieutenant. It has been wonderful working with you."
Lieutenant Gingetsu showed no signs that he heard that.
"I didn't think there were anymore Sailor Soldiers. But Master Sailor Galaxia will be pleased once I bring her your Sailor Crystals." A summoned black lightning into his palms and flung it at the Sailor Quartets.
The Quartets all jumped away in different directions and split up to surround A in the air. Sailor Juno charged at A and attempted to punch A. A allowed himself to be punched but smirked slightly with his cold eyes. A's palm gathered black lightning and fired it at Juno's stomach. Juno was blasted into the dark clouds and Sailor Verta had moved in front of Juno to prevent anymore of the attack from hitting Juno again.
Vesta held out her left hand and formed a red energy bow similar to that of Sailor Mars. "Vesta Jungle Arrow!!" The arrow struck the lightning and held it at bay for a moment before both attacks exploded. A was blown closer to the pavement and Sailor Ceres was below him. Ceres punched A in the spinal cord from behind, knocking A sprawling onto the ground. Black lightning flew from the sky and struck Ceres, blowing her away from A.
A got up and glared at the three Quartets in the air. Sailor Pallas mimicked the movement of Sailor Vesta and summoned a light blue bow. "Pallas Jungle Arrow!!" The blow arrow raced towards A as he dissipated as ribbons. The arrow struck the ground causing an explosion that covered the area.
"Quartets!" Sailor Chibi-Moon and Ran flew up to meet the Quartets that had assembled in the air. From the cloud of smoke on the ground, energies of black lightning started to shoot at the Sailor Soldiers and Ran. Sailor Vesta grabbed Ran's arm and threw him away from the attacks and got struck herself.
"Sailor Vesta!" Ran landed near a building that was still intact and glared into the cloud. 'A is using the smoke screen as a cover to attack. I have to get rid of the smoke and maybe even trap A.' Ran looked around the area and spotted wires that slithered across the ground into the smoke screen. 'Electricity wires...I've got it!' Ran summoned his powers and his eyes started to glow blue once again. The wires sparked with blue energy and sprung to life. It extended and swirled around the smoke screen, sometimes getting struck by the lightning. The wires constricted around the smoke screen and penetrated the smoke to ensnare A and drag him out of the smoke. The attacks from the smoke stopped and the smoke slowly vanished.
A turned around and glared at Ran. "Brother, let me go!"
Ran's gaze became unreadable. "You are no brother of mine."
Sailor Chibi-Moon summoned her weapon which was similar to Sailor Moon's Eternal Tier. "Quartets!" The Sailor Quartets all summoned their bows and arrows as Sailor Chibi-Moon's weapon started to glow.
"Amazoness Jungle Arrow!!"
"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!!"
A uniformed rainbow attack formed from the various attacks and charged at A. Ran closed his eyes just as the attack struck A. A screamed in agony as the wires were disintegrated leaving him hanging in the air by the force of the energy alone.
"Brother..." A's body started to disappear in the attack. Slowly, but steadily, A's body completely vanished leaving two Galatic bracelets hanging in the air where the attack was. The bracelets were held in mid-air for a few moments before gravity took its toll and dragged the two bracelets to the ground. The two bracelets hit the ground consecutively of each other, pounding metal in Ran's ear. In sync with the bracelets' falling, two tears flowed down Ran's face.
"A...A I'm sorry..." Ran lowered his head and allowed his tears to fall freely for his brothers. A and B.
"Look!" Ran's head shot back up at the sound of Sailor Ceres' voice. The two bracelets started to glow and then cracked, releasing golden light. A Starseed shot out from the light and soared into the sky. "The Golden Crystal of Prince Endymion!"
"No Daddy!"
Ran opened his wings and soared into the sky after the fleeing Starseed. Just as Ran entered the clouds, the Golden Crystal vanished completely with a swish of gold energy. "No...UGH—!!" Ran was knocked out of the clouds by the various black lightning. Ran's wings shattered upon the contact of the lightning and he started falling to the earth. Another black lightning shot out of the clouds and struck Ran directly. Ran was sent falling at full force into the pavement.
"Ran!" Sailor Juno and Sailor Vesta quickly ran to attempt to catch Ran, but was too late. Ran had smashed into the concrete creating a small crater.
"RAN!!"
"If that something is important to you, you should protect it no matter what."
But what is important anyway? Really, I am a Clover; I'm not meant to live in the outside world.
Yet you did. You did something we all dreamed off. And more importantly, the council has approved and you have found someplace you can call home.
And in my own anger and envy, I was blinded to see that you were really happy. I had said once, that you were the most important thing to me, and that I would keep you to myself always. I had overlooked your happiness and instead caused pain and suffering. I had even killed someone you and I loved to keep you always to me. For that, I am sorry.
And I am sorry for not having been there for you. I always felt it was my duty to look after you two. Like Yin and Yang, balance had to be achieved, but never achieved alone. For leaving you alone, I am sorry.
Why are you saying sorry? I don't understand...I should be with you two.
Two identical figures appeared out of the light that blinded Ran's eyes momentarily. The light vanished leaving Ran and the twins alone in the darkness. One boy was obviously A, with his ponytail thrown over his right shoulder. The other boy looked exactly like A except the fact that his ponytail was kept at the back of his neck. Ran took a step towards his dead brothers and noticed that he had reverted back into his child form. The form he had met Usagi in. The form that was so identical to his brothers except that his ponytail was thrown over his left shoulder. Ran grimaced at the remembrance of Usagi.
Usagi...
If you love her C, then go to her. To cause A such jealousy, she must really be special.
Brother, I'll admit I am jealous. C, you had better return to her. If I remember correctly, you did promise her. And in some way, I think she did save me, just as she promised you.
A, what do you mean?
Yes, what do you mean A?
A smiled slightly and closed his eyes. When that attack hit me, I remember that one of the attacks in the combined one was hers. I saw her attacking me, and her alone. It was agony the pain I felt, then it was bliss. As though I was finally freed after years of imprisonment.
Yes we are free A. We all are free. C, you should be with her. You shouldn't be with us, here, where we are dead.
How? I'm trapped here aren't I?
Do you remember what happened C?
I had been struck by the lightning and then...I think I died...
Maybe so, but not anymore. B took A's hand and reached for C with his other hand. With all of their hands held in the order of A, B, and C, they all started to glow.
Ran gasped slightly. B, A, what are you doing?
I see what B's planning. You don't have anymore life energy to live. So B and I will fuse our souls with yours. That way, we can forever be one.
A...B...Ran felt tears fall once again. Thank you.
You're welcome. Now go to her. With the last words of A and B, they both disappeared leaving a grown up Ran by himself.
Thank you both so very much. I love you both.
"Ran, Ran, please wake up!" Sailor Chibi-Moon cried over the body of Ran's after pulling him out of the crater.
"...Ugh..." Ran moaned slightly but fell back down into an unmoving state.
"Ran?" The Sailor Quartets stood over Sailor Chibi-Moon and Ran with worried expressions.
"Sailor Soldiers!" Lieutenant Gingetsu rushed over the rubble of the fallen buildings towards Ran and the Soldiers, knowing he had little time left. "I saw what happened. Ran!" He knelt down beside Sailor Chibi-Moon and touched Ran's face slightly. Then he slapped him.
"...Uhh...?!" The Sailor Soldiers' expression sweat dropped slightly—
"..Ugh...oh right. I'm awake..." Ran opened his eyes groggily and blinked a few times.
"Ran!" Sailor Chibi-Moon threw her arms around Ran to hug him. Ran moaned in pain from the pressure to which Chibi-Moon immediately dropped him.
Lieutenant Gingetsu stood up and started to walk away. He looked down at his watch and then threw it off, revealing his Two-Leaf Clover tattoo.
The Sailor Soldiers helped Ran stand up and watched him go.
Ran called after him. "Lieutenant!"
Until Lieutenant Gingetsu was a good hundred feet away did he turn around to face them. "Goodbye Ran. It has been good knowing you. I wish you, the last of the Clovers, happiness with Usagi."
"Lieutenant Ginget—"
"Sayonara wa ashita no tame ni."
"Wha—"
"Wakare..." Ran took a step towards Lieutenant Gingetsu—his visors seemed to flash white and revealed for a brief second, pale gray eyes. Lieutenant Gingetsu was blind. Ran gasped at his discovery—an explosion erupted from where Lieutenant Gingetsu was standing.
"Lieutenant!!" The Sailor Quartets pulled Sailor Chibi-Moon and attempted to pull Ran back behind them to protect them. Ran struggled against the Quartets, and for the fourth time that day, started to cry. "No, LIEUTENANT!! WHY?!" Ran pulled himself from the Quartets' grip and ran to the edge of the explosion. Ran covered his face as the fire slowly died down. Small splatters of blood dotted Ran's pale complexion and the location Lieutenant Gingetsu was standing had a puddle of blood. Ran fell to his knees to just cry. "Why...?"
"He had planned this all along you realize C?" Ran turned towards the voice of the Wizard Shuu. "I beg your pardon C, I mean Ran."
"Wizard Shuu..." The Sailor Soldiers went to stand by Ran. Now, even some of the Quartets were crying along with Chibi-Moon.
"His dying words. 'Sayonara wa ashita no tame ni.'"
"Goodbye is for the sake of tomorrow," replied Sailor Juno, who was the only one not crying.
"For the sake of tomorrow? What did he mean it was for the sake of tomorrow?" Ran formed a fist with his right hand and smashed it into the pavement.
"Ran. Do you know what 'wakare' means?"
"Of course Wizard Shuu. It means farewell."
"But the context of its usage means an eternal farewell."
Ran looked up at Wizard Shuu. "...He can't regenerate now. That was what he was referring to."
"Ran. We have to go now." Sailor Vesta wiped away her tears and placed a hand under Ran's arm to lift him up. Ran complied.
"Yes. I should be a better leader. To Shadow Galatica." Sailor Ceres also wiped away her tears. "To Usagi."
Wizard Shuu turned to leave them alone. 'Ran has come a long way. He's taking the long road, and now here he is with his success. He was the only Clover who had the courage to go the whole way. This dream of a Super Army is over...' Wizard Shuu disappeared from sight.
The Sailor Quartets formed a circle around Sailor Chibi-Moon and Ran. Chibi-Moon placed her hands over her broach, as a result, it started to pulsate and glow. "To Shadow Galatica. To protect the light that is hope." All six of them started to glow and formed a spear of light that shot into the clouds and dispersed it.
Slowly, all six of them rose from the ground and headed towards the sky like acceding towards heaven. Ran looked down onto Tokyo for the last time. 'A, B, Lieutenant Gingetsu. To give me freedom and happiness, you all sacrificed your lives for me...I can never thank you enough...'
Once the six figures rose above the cloud, the light slowly lifted off the ground to follow the retreating silhouettes until it too vanished. A rainbow could be seen in the darkness above Tokyo.
Princess Kakyuu, Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon, and Eternal Sailor Moon flew over the surface of the Sagittarius Zero Star towards the Shadow Castle. They landed on the Castle grounds in a garden of crystals.
"The rumored Crystal Garden. I never though it to be true. But then again, Sailor Galaxia is definitely sadistically enough to keep something like this."
"Princess Kakyuu, what do you mean?"
Sailor Chibi-Chibi moon went to a crystal and touched it. The crystal glowed under her touch, startling Chibi-Chibi Moon and retreating her touch. It stopped glowing.
"This is the Crystal Garden. A garden of dead stars that no longer have their light anymore. These crystals are the Sailor Crystals of the guardian Soldiers. Galaxia must keep it so that others will be drawn here. This place where only dead stars shine."
"That isn't completely true. For instance, that star above us." Sailor Moon pointed out towards a not too distant star whose bright light made Princess Kakyuu move to cover her eyes. Sailor Moon and Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon had no problems looking at it. "It kind of looks like paradise. I wish to go see that star one day."
Princess Kakyuu looked at Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon, and then Sailor Moon. 'For her not to be shunned by the star's gaze, she must be really pure and full of light herself. The light that brings hope...'
"Princess, lets go—"
"Yes, to your graves."
"Huh?!" Sailor Moon and Princess Kakyuu backed up into each other with Sailor Chibi-Chibi moon in between them. "Who's there?!"
A butterfly flew across Sailor Moon's vision. Sailor Moon's gaze followed the butterfly into a silhouetted woman. The many butterflies danced around her casting a mysterious fiery light. The woman's eyes glowed under the slight light and didn't appear to have any pupils.
"You may call me Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon. I am the Guardian of this Star Graveyard."
"Star Graveyard?!"
"Yes Princess Kakyuu. It can be called the Crystal Garden, or the Star Graveyard. Just look behind you."
Sailor Moon, Princess Kakyuu, and Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon turned around to see tombstones all around the crystals. Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon cowered in slight fear by Sailor Moon's legs.
"The tombstones are grave markers. They tell which Sailor Soldier it was that died and lost their Sailor Crystal to this Star Graveyard."
Sailor Moon narrowed her eyes into a glare at the smirking Heavy Metal Papillon. "How can you do such a thing?!"
"I didn't have to do anything. I just have to guard this graveyard. Master Sailor Galaxia was the one who killed the stars. If you look over there..." Papillon pointed to her right at a tombstone that resembled a butterfly winged woman. "That is my tombstone."
"How?" Princess Kakyuu turned shocked at the Anima-mate.
"With these bracelets of course. Before I kill you all, I will offer you the same offer Master Galaxia gave me. Surrender your Sailor Crystal peacefully and live with these Galatic Bracelets, or die by having your Sailor Crystal ripped from your being."
"I would rather die than to join you." Eternal Sailor Moon summoned her Eternal Tier and stood in front to Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon protectively.
"As would I." Princess Kakyuu joined Sailor Moon at her side.
Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon's eyes became visible in the darkness, revealing ice blue eyes. "Then you shall be burned alive for your rebirth! Galatica Scales!!" Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon held out her gloved hand and summoned a fiery butterfly into her hands and fired a blue-ish flame at the trio.
Princess Kakyuu erected a barrier to protect them. The attack bounced off the barrier and burnt the ground around the barrier. Princess Kakyuu and Sailor Moon with Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon in her arms, took flight into the air as the flames enveloped the ground. From the flames, vines shot out of the ground to ensnare each of them. Sailor Phi and Sailor Chi appeared beside Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon.
The vines slowly dragged the three into the blue flames. Visible among the flames, were three opened coffins with marked tombstones. Each with the respected title of its victim.
"Ahh...no you don't!" Princess Kakyuu blasted at the vines. The vines in defense swung her into the ground and pulled her into the coffin. The coffin lid slamming shut immediately.
"Princess—ugh!" Sailor Moon and Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon were also both pulled into coffins that swung shut when they received their possession. Sailor Moon banged on the coffin hood to no avail. 'That does it!' Eternal Sailor Moon held out her Eternal Tier. "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy KISS!!"
From outside, the three Anima-mates could see Sailor Moon's coffin get shot with pink energy. The coffin was destroyed a moment later. Sailor Moon flew out of the coffin and away from the fire. She pointed another attack towards the ground this time. "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy KISS!!" The pink energy struck the ground, blowing out the fire and destroying the coffins of Princess Kakyuu and Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon. They both flew to the air beside Sailor Moon.
"That's enough of this. Its time for the destined Sailor Soldier of Kinmoku, Sailor Kakyuu!" Princess Kakyuu crossed her arms over her chest. "Kinmoku Star Power, MAKE-UP!!" In a swirl of sakura blossoms, Sailor Kakyuu took the place of the princess. Sailor Kakyuu still had her traditional head peace down to her necklaces. From there on, she was in a skirt-bikini like outfit without gloves; similar to that of the Sailor Starlights. However, unlike the Starlights, she wore her genie type shoes and her outfit was red with a sailor collar.
"Princess Kakyuu?!"
Sailor Kakyuu nodded to Sailor Moon. "Now its Sailor Kakyuu. Like you Sailor Moon, I have the power to transform into a Sailor Soldier. Now, why don't I start this battle off!" Kakyuu summoned five cards into her hands that started to glow. "Starlights Royal Strait Flush!!" She threw the five cards at the Anima-mates. The cards enlarged into five energy attacks that was larger than a car.
The three Anima-mates dodged the attacks and Sailor Chi and Sailor Phi disappeared within the arisen smoke. Papillon took flight herself to go after Sailor Moon. She launched another attack at Sailor Moon who flew to the ground with Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon to dodge it.
"Allow me Sailor Moon, Kinmoku Fusion Tempest!!" A hurricane of flowers surrounded her and headed towards Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon, blinding her vision.
"Ugh—damn you! Galatica Scales!!" Blue flames surrounded Papillon once again and burnt the flower petals. Papillon directed the flames towards Kakyuu who erected another barrier.
"Sailor Moon, now!"
"What—?!" Papillon turned around to face Sailor Moon who had her Eternal Tier pointing strait at her head.
"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy KISS!!" Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon used her arms to try to shield herself from the attack but was vaporized with the closeness of the attack.
"We aren't done yet." Sailor Chi and Sailor Phi reappeared in the darkness behind Kakyuu. "Galatica Plants Blizzard!!"
Kakyuu turned around to see vines coming at her. Suddenly, a bright light filled the darken surface of the Sagittarius Zero Star. Six figures could be seen within the light. "Who is that?!"
"Amazoness Jungle Arrow!!" Four arrows shot from the light and disintegrated the vines. The attack continued on and struck Sailor Phi who was caught off guard by the sudden appearance. The rainbow colored attack struck Sailor Phi who could only scream as her Galatic bracelets were blown away, leaving what was left of Sailor Phi in a pile of dust with her forgotten sun staff.
"Sailor Phi!!"
"Who was that?" The light descended towards the ground and vanished, revealing six very familiar figures. The tallest figure rushed towards Sailor Moon and hugged the still shocked Sailor Moon. "Ran?!"
The now identified Ran nodded at her neck as he held her. Sailor Moon returned the hug and smiled.
"Mom."
"Queen."
Sailor Moon pulled away from Ran who in turn picked up Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon. "Chibi-Usa...Quartets. I'm so glad to see you." Sailor Moon felt tears on the verge of falling. "Wait, Ran how can you breath here in outer space?"
Ran shrugged. "I guess it was Chibi-Usa."
"Sailor Moon, I am glad you are reunited with familiar friends. However, we still must continue on and fight."
Sailor Moon nodded in agreement. "Ah—"
Sailor Kakyuu turned around to face Sailor Moon. "Sailor Moon...?" She caught sight of the look of fear.
"Princess, look out!" Sailor Chibi-Moon rushed forward towards Sailor Kakyuu.
"What—huh!" Sailor Kakyuu turned around just in time to see Sailor Chi's staff plunge strait through her chest. "...Ugh...!"
"Princess Kakyuu!!" Sailor Moon flew past Sailor Chibi-Moon and caught the fallen Sailor Soldier who reverted back to her Princess form. "Princess, please wake up!!"
Sailor Chi jumped away from the attacking Quartets and swung her staff at the two Princesses. "Galatica Storm!!"
"Usagi!! No Chibi-Chibi, stay here—" Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon jumped out of Ran's arms, summoning a staff that was too big for her small form. However by the time Chibi-Chibi Moon took two steps, the attack had already struck creating a smoke screen. Ran coughed at the arisen smoke and took one stride to reach Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon's side. "Usagi! Princess Kakyuu!"
The smoke slowly moved away revealing Princess Kakyuu, who had a hole in her chest, standing protectively in front of Sailor Moon. The Princess fell backwards into Sailor Moon's arms. "...No...NO!! Princess Kakyuu, that was meant for me—"
"B-but, if we both d-ie-e. Then-n who w-ill save-e the u-uni-ver—" Princess Kakyuu fell limp and started to glow. Her Sailor Crystal shot out of her body and strait towards the Shadow Castle.
The Sailor Quartets stood in front of Sailor Chibi-Moon shocked. "The Princess..."
Sailor Chibi-Moon moved to her future mother's side. "Sailor Moon." Sailor Moon moved to stand up and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Sailor Chibi-Moon." They both nodded and summoned the Eternal Tier, and the Eternal Tier look-alike. "Double Starlight Honeymoon Therapy KISS!!"
The combined attack charged at Sailor Chi. "I'll make you pay—Galatica Storm!!" The two attacks struck each other, but was held for a second before the two moon attacks broke through Chi's and collided with her. Chi screamed as her bracelets were blown away leaving her a very similar pile of dust with Phi.
Sailor Juno walked up to Chi's fallen staff and Sailor Ceres walked up to Phi's fallen staff. Both lifted the staff and slammed its end into the ground where their bodies had been destroyed. It was symbol of a grave marked. Sailor Pallas and Sailor Vesta walked up beside them. "Now we know where those two had died. Just like everyone else here..."
Ran picked up Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon again and walked to Sailor Moon's side. "Usagi..."
"Why did you come? Why did you come here knowing you might be killed, just like everyone else?" Eternal Sailor Moon's back was to everyone else.
"Silly Usagi, to protect you of course." Sailor Chibi-Moon walked back to join the Quartets. "I will awaken soon in the future as the new Queen. That's why the Sailor Quartets have been resurrected from their slumber. And...I want to be born. If you die Usagi, then I won't be born."
"Guys...but still, you shouldn't have come Ran." Sailor Moon turned around. She immediately noticed the staff Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon had. 'For some reason, I felt I have seen it before.' It was an ordinary looking staff with a pink heart being circled by a ring. It didn't look unique, but something drew Sailor Moon towards it. Sailor Moon shook her head to clear out her thoughts. "We can't turn back now. We can only head towards the future. And this road is a dangerous one."
"I think when I say this, I mean it for everyone. We are ready to go. And besides, I have nothing left to lose, except my life. Everyone else is gone."
Sailor Moon's eyes met Ran's. "What do you mean?"
Ran smiled slightly and looked down only to meet another pair of eyes. Ran decided he liked looking into Usagi's eyes instead of the oddly mature gaze of Chibi-Chibi. "A, he's dead. As with Lieutenant Gingetsu. So, I can only die now, or gain happiness. Those are my only options. And I would rather take the option of dying, if I can't be with you."
Sailor Moon frowned. 'But Ran, as much as I love you. I still love Mamoru. And...if I don't marry Mamoru, then Chibi-Usa will not be born. Even if it weren't because of Chibi-Usa, I still want to marry Mamoru, because I love him with all my heart.' Usagi placed a false stern expression on her face. "Lets head to the castle. Ran, keep Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon close and stay close to us. Anything can happen. Everybody, lets go."
With a nod from everybody, Sailor Moon led the trek towards the looming Shadow Castle, uncertain of what lies ahead within that deep, dark, fortress where light cannot touch it.
"So they are coming. Very well. I shall have our guests greeted with something familiar..." An un-transformed Galaxia sat at her throne, gazing at her latest Starseeds. She raised her other hand and snapped once. Nothing visible happened, but her smirk broadened.
"Soon, the entire universe shall belong to me." Galaxia's smirk increased even further to a look of insanity. Her voice, while talking, had started to sound as though two people were talking. One with a feminine voice, the other with a dark demonic voice.
"Go now and take what should be yours. The most powerful soldier in the Universe should be allowed to truly be the Golden Queen. Gather the Starseeds of the Universe and regain the throne to the Cosmos that should have been mine."
"Yes. Gather the Starseeds of the Universe and regain the throne to the Cosmos that should have been mine...gather the Starseeds of the Universe and regain the throne to the Cosmos that should have been mine...gather the Starseeds of the Universe and regain the throne to the Cosmos that should have been mine..." Galaxia's mantra continued on and on, while she was waiting for the Sailor Soldiers to arrive at her castle, her eyes completely dazed.
"Here it is, the Shadow Castle of Sailor Galaxia. Shall we knock, or just blow our way in?"
"Vesta, I have no doubt that she's expecting us, so lets just blow in the door." Sailor Ceres readied her arrow, only to be stopped by an arm. She turned to the owner of the arm. "Sailor Moon?"
"Not yet." She turned to Ran and Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon. "Please, you two stay here as we go in. Don't come in after us, but if something goes after you. Come into the castle immediately to find us."
Ran and Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon nodded. Ran stepped behind the Sailor Soldiers and pressed his back to the wall of the castle. Ran noticed a crystal floating directly above them. "Guys, what is that?"
They turned their attention towards the crystal above them. Sailor Chibi-Moon identified what it was. "That's the Sapphire Crystal that links with Galaxia's own on her broach. Its supposed to be the source of her power."
"Then shouldn't we destroy it?" asked Sailor Moon.
"No, Mom said you won't be able to destroy it until Galaxia's own is destroyed."
"All right then, why don't we just go in and find Galaxia. Sailor Ceres, if you would do the honors."
"Certainly Queen. Ceres Jungle Arrow!!" Sailor Ceres' attack blew away the front doors and the six Sailor Soldiers stepped inside. The entrance hall was empty with an ironic shade of white and gold all over the place. In fact, most of the castle was decorated with gold colors.
"Obviously the home of the Golden Queen..." commented Sailor Pallas.
"Come on..." Sailor Ceres led the group into the castle with her bow still at her side. Slowly, they made their way into the entrance hall and into the main hall. The main hall was completely white with a good view of outer space from the windows.
Sailor Juno came up beside Ceres. "There's a double door." They made their way slowly towards the door, sensing an eerie calamity. Sailor Chibi-Moon took a hold of Sailor Moon's hand, quivering slightly at the sudden silence. Space was supposed to be silent, but not this silent. By now, shouldn't they have confronted someone guarding such a fortress as this?
Sailor Juno and Sailor Ceres each pushed open a door with Sailor Vesta and Sailor Pallas in front of the two princesses. Inside was like a ballroom. Lots of white, with a few spots of gold. It had a spacious floor and had pillars lining the room around the edges. Large floor to ceiling windows surrounded the entire premises. Ahead of the Sailor Soldiers were a few steps that stretched from one end of the room to the other, before another set of double doors. There were eight pillars at the same level as the doors resided at.
Sailor Chibi-Moon looked around in awe. "It's like a ballroom. Like the one in the Crystal Palace..."
Sailor Moon narrowed her eyes. The silence was just too much, it was everywhere. Their voices bounced off the walls, floor, and ceiling. Even their breaths were becoming too loud; they were an open target. But why hadn't anything happened yet? Where were the countless millions Sailor Soldiers Galaxia had killed? Couldn't she make them into Anima-mates? Because, she would have many Anima-mates if she had turned each and everyone of the Sailor Soldiers, that had been marked in the Star Graveyard, into Anima-mates. Yet, the castle is unguarded, with no signs of life. What was Galaxia planning? "Yes, it is like a ballroom...or a battle ground."
At that moment, the double doors at the end of the room opened, revealing an un-transformed Galaxia. At the same moment, the double doors behind the Sailor Soldiers sealed shut. She stepped out of the darkness of the other room and smirked at Sailor Moon. "Yes, this is a battle ground." Galaxia raised her hand and snapped.
Movements could be heard, as well as footsteps. A figures stepped out from behind one of the pillars. And then another, and another, and another, until each of the eight pillars had someone standing beside. Like an army, the eight figures moved forward to form a line on the steps in front of Galaxia.
"I'm sure you are all already acquainted with each other. Isn't that right, Sailor Moon?"
All of the Sailor Soldiers looked in horror at the eight figures that lined the steps from getting to Sailor Galaxia. Sailor Moon dropped down to her knees.
"...Sailor Mercury..." A blue crystal in the Galatic Bracelet.
"...Sailor Mars..." A red crystal in the Galatic Bracelet.
"...Sailor Jupiter..." A green crystal in the Galatic Bracelet.
"...Sailor Venus..." An orange crystal in the Galatic Bracelet.
"...Sailor Uranus..." A navy blue crystal in the Galatic Bracelet.
"...Sailor Neptune..." A teal crystal in the Galatic Bracelet.
"...Sailor Pluto..." A gray crystal in the Galatic Bracelet.
"...Sailor Saturn..." A purple crystal in the Galatic Bracelet.
Galaxia smirked at her. "Do you like their new forms? You couldn't properly power them up, so I did it myself. Now they are about equal power with you and the Sailor Quartets. Considering the fact that you are severely outnumbered, I suggest you surrender peacefully. But then again, I want to prolong your suffering, so I will not allow any of you to surrender. You will all be brutally murdered. That is, except you Sailor Moon. I want to relish that myself."
"...Guys..." Sailor Moon choked down a sob and looked into their indeed new forms. Aside from the fact that they all had pitch black eyes and the Galatic Bracelets, they also had their uniforms changed. Now, they all looked like the Sailor Chibi Moon, with star broaches and a uniform similar to that of Sailor Moon. Most likely, it was based off of Sailor Moon's own.
"But of course. I could kill you myself Sailor Moon, or I could have him do it..." Galaxia stepped aside to reveal Prince Endymion walking towards Galaxia.
"Daddy!"
"Mamoru!"
"Do you like how he has become?" He had a black crystal within his Galatic Bracelet. "He is quite a looker..." Galaxia pulled Prince Endymion to her and kissed him on the lips. He kissed her back with a kiss that was supposed to be for Usagi, and Usagi only.
"Mamoru—"
Galaxia shoved him away and smirked at Sailor Moon once again. "I could have him kill you, but I don't want the last thing for you to see is his beautiful face. Nor do I want the last thing for you to see is your friends' faces. So..." Galaxia held her arm horizontal to her body, her palms open towards Prince Endymion. "I'll eliminate one of your pains. Galatica Inflation!!" Energy that was bigger than Galaxia's whole body shot out of her palm, enveloping Prince Endymion completely.
"King!!"
"Daddy!!"
"MAMORU!! NO!!" Sailor Moon watched as Prince Endymion's body reverted back to that of Mamoru's and disintegrate. Not before Sailor Moon caught sight of his cadaverous face.
Galaxia's smirk broadened once more. "Sailor Anima-Soldiers. Kill them all, but leave Sailor Moon. Bring her to me on her knees. I will be waiting at the Cauldron." Galaxia swept around and left through the double doors. The doors closed on her leaving the outnumbered and distraught Sailor Soldiers, against the cold, unmoving Sailor Anima-Soldiers.
Eternal Sailor Moon screamed at the top of her lungs.
Ran flinched at the ear-splitting scream from the castle. "Usagi!" Ran held onto Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon tightly and made for the entrance of the door. Once he stepped foot within the entrance, a barrier blew him back out and onto the ground a good distance away. "Ugh...Chibi-Chibi are you hurt?"
"Chibi no. But Ran hurt."
Ran placed Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon down on the ground slowly got up. Ran nearly fell down again and out of instinct reached out to grab a hold of something. Ran's fingers closed around cool metal. Ran looked up shocked and noticed it was Sailor Chibi-Chibi Moon's staff, only extended far beyond her height. "Chibi-Chibi, we have to get in there...ugh..." Ran groaned in pain and clutched Chibi-Chibi Moon's staff closer to him. "We just have to."
"Let Chibi." Chibi-Chibi tried to regain a hold of her very long staff, but Ran vouched to lean down and pick her up. Ran himself took a hold of her staff and used it to support himself.
"Sorry Chibi. Do you think you can do it with me holding it?"
"Chibi." Chibi-Chibi Moon reached out and touched the staff slightly, it taking on a white glow. "Hit barrier."
Ran looked at Chibi-Chibi Moon skeptically but started to walk towards the barrier. "All right then, here I go!" Ran swung down and the head of the staff collided on the barrier, shattering it like glass. "It worked..." Ran fell to his knees and tried to use the staff for support. "Chibi-Chibi...I'm worn out..."
Chibi-Chibi Moon pulled herself from Ran and smiled. She placed a finger on his forehead which glowed slightly. "Better chibi?"
Ran blinked in surprise at the renewed energy and smiled at Chibi-Chibi Moon. He got up and handed back the overlarge staff back to Chibi-Chibi Moon.
"No, keep for Chibi."
"Are you sure?"
"Chibi." Chibi-Chibi Moon nodded and wings sprouted from her back. She led the way towards the other Sailor Soldiers.
Ran himself summoned his wings and noticed immediately that there was no gravity in the castle. Ran paused while flying and looked at a window. He flew over to it and touched it with his hand, only there was no window. Chibi-Chibi Moon flew up beside him. Ran gasped. "Of course, there's no gravity here, no air. I can't breath in outer space, so you have me this." Ran held up the staff. "To protect myself."
"Chibi. Let's chibi go." Chibi-Chibi Moon took Ran's hand and led him towards the others Sailor Soldiers.
'Usagi, I'm coming. Please wait for me, just as I would for all eternity.'
The bright star above Sagittarius Zero Star glowed even brighter.
Done! And late! Oh well, Happy New Year everybody. I know for a fact that I will have a chapter left, and then an epilogue. I'll wrap everything up within the epilogue.
And yes, I know! I killed Gingetsu and Princess Kakyuu! But I reunited A, B, and Ran back. Well, I united A and B into Ran's body. I'm not too sure how you guys will feel about that. I'm not sure how I feel about that (confusing self). Anyway, some Japanese for once, but I already explained it, but a recap.
Sayonara wa ashita no tame ni. – Goodbye is for the sake of tomorrow.
Wakare – Farewell (in the sense of eternal context).
Please Review!
-Sailor Moonac