Konnichi wa, minna-san! Nice to see you all again. This is the long-awaited third installment in my Sailor Moon series. The first was "In Happy Hiding" and the second was the largely popular "Escaping Oblivion." In order to fully understand some aspects of this story, I would recommend reading them first.
Before I tell anyone anymore, I must state that Sailor Moon and all characters associated do not belong to me, but to Naoko Takeuchi. However, this particular plot that they find themselves in is entirely of my own original making.
The story of Usagi and Mamoru as told by me comes to an end in this third story. At least this particular story. I'm certainly not done adding words to ffnet!
Here, Usagi and Mamoru, better known now as the Neo-King and Queen, face their most blood-curdling challenge yet—a race against time.
Prepare for the ride of your lives.
-rosa lunae
Kooin Ya no Gotoshi: Prologue
"Kooin Ya no Gotoshi."
-Japanese Idiom
"Time flies."
-
The day began normally.
Deep within the Crystal Palace, in the master suite, before the sun rose, Chiba Usagi's lovely blue eyes fluttered open.
She smiled. It was wonderful to wake to another day of peace. Not to mention, she was intricately entwined within the arms of her husband, who was still sleeping soundly.
She snuggled up against his strong, bare chest, attempting to wake him, and laughed to herself when he groaned.
"Five more minutes, baby, onegai…"
She sat up, and put her hands on her hips, glaring sternly at him, eyes sparkling mischievously.
"I suppose if you make me get up alone I could deny you your good morning kiss, sire."
Mamoru's eyes popped open. He rolled over, and propped his head up with his hand, grinning.
"Man, the queen drives a hard bargain. I can see why no one dares oppose her majesty." He quickly threw the covers off, and hurried over to the other side of their king size bed. He swept Usagi up into his arms, allowing her elegant nightgown to slowly unfold until it brushed the ground.
"Are you being brash with the Neo-Queen?" Usagi whispered, trying her best to sound indignant, and failing.
Mamoru thought about it, opened his mouth, made a face, shut it again, opened it, made a face, then shrugged and passionately kissed her.
She sucked in a deep breath through her nose, surprised, then wrapped her arms around his neck, responding gently, teasing him. He moaned, and gently began to walk back towards the bed.
Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door.
Usagi opened her eyes, then laughed out loud at the extremely displeased look on her husband's face. He dropped her on the bed and stormed off to their large walk-in closet, grumbling.
She laughed as she bounced on the bed, then called, "Hai?"
The voice was slightly muffled by the door. "Good Morning, milady," a maid called cheerfully, despite the yawning sun outside of the palace. "Just reminding you that you are to have luncheon with the other royal families of the system today."
The Neo-Queen looked blank for a moment, then smacked her forehead. "Ah, you know me too well, Hikara-chan. Take the rest of the day off."
The maid's smile was clearly heard in the words that followed.
"I wouldn't think of it, Your Majesty."
Mamoru returned in a bathrobe and neatly laid out his kingly attire for the day on the bed. Usagi admired him for a moment, then smacked his arm playfully.
"Why didn't you tell me everyone was coming to lunch today?"
Mamoru laughed and walked to the master bathroom. "You're the one that set the date, Usako! I assumed you would remember it!"
Usagi smiled. "After being married for a few decades you should have learned not to assume such things," she said, donning her own bathrobe.
Mamoru turned on the water in their room-sized shower, then turned back to his wife, grinning impishly. "Fine, you caught me. I just wanted to see Neo-Queen Serenity, mistress of the universe, hit herself in the forehead like that. It was priceless!"
Usagi wrinkled her nose, then moved to shove him the shower, robe and all. "I'm about to hit someone else in the head like that!"
Mamoru caught her in his arms, and pulled her in after him.
-
Later, while they were eating breakfast alone in their suite, Mamoru slipped his hand into hers, and rested his head on her shoulder.
"So, why are the Senshi and Shitennou leaving their own planets to dine with us? What's the occasion?"
Usagi's jaw dropped, and she pushed his head off of her shoulder. "Oh, Kami. Mamo-chan, tell me you didn't just say that."
"Say what?"
"Today is the Anniversary of the Awakening, baka!" she cried, incredulously.
Mamoru grinned, and pulled her close, their plates long empty. "I know, I was just messing with you. You know, trying to make you feel better about earlier."
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Oh, you…!"
They dressed quickly, and as the layers of silken fabric were donned, so Usagi and Mamoru transformed into the Neo-King and Queen. When they were ready to leave, Endymion bowed to his wife, Serenity, and she curtsied to him, and he extended his elbow, and she took it, allowing him to escort her to the balcony.
The palace staff bowed to them as they passed, but the royal pair smiled warmly at each individual, every one of whom they knew by name. They reached the doors to the balcony, and trumpets sounded from the other side.
"Announcing: Neo-King Endymion and Neo-Queen Serenity!"
The doors were opened for them, and they walked to the edge of the balcony, under which the forum of Crystal Tokyo lay, filled with citizens. A cheer went up as they king and queen came into sight.
Endymion raised a gentle palm, and the crowd quieted. Serenity opened her arms, and began to speak.
"Good morning, Crystal Tokyo!" she called warmly, smiling. "Today, we celebrate the birthday of peace!"
Another cheer went up. When it faded, Endymion spoke also. "This is a universal day of rest! So, gather with your friends and family and together commemorate the Anniversary of the Awakening!"
A final cheer undulated across the crowd and a great celebration with dancing and feasting ensued, and the smiling royal couple waved for a moment, then retreated back into the palace to prepare for the arrival of their friends.
-
The dining hall was made entirely of silk, velvet, and crystal. The table, walls, chairs all shimmered with crystalline beauty, and for comfort, velvet cushions on the chairs and silk tablecloths.
At the head of the table, were two thrones. One was gold, and encrusted with topaz stones with engravings signature to the Golden Family expertly woven into the design. The other, more delicate and intricate, was silver, and tiny diamonds and pearls were sealed in the metal in designs that were trademarks of the Moon Kingdom Royal Family. The right side of the silver one and the left side of the golden one were fused together, creating an intriguing swirl of gold and silver; each flowing wave of silver was perfectly matched by its golden paramour.
The King and Queen were not in the Dining Hall. They were in their master suite, changing from their public attire to something with less layers, robes, and ruffles. Mamoru chose a plain black tuxedo with a red cape, but he decided against the hat and mask. Now there was no reason for disguise.
Usagi, who even after so many years, was still excited by the huge expanse of her wardrobe, decided on a plain, glittering silver gown that hung loosely from two straps, clinging to her small frame until loosening at the hips, where it fell freely to the floor. The train of the gown trailed behind her about three feet.
Mamoru smiled appreciatively, then reached above her head to a locked safe, and opened it deftly. He withdrew an intricately designed silver tiara and placed it in her hair in the same place her formal silver and velvet crown had been several hours earlier.
"You forget, love, that this is still a very formal event, and we must wear these."
She smiled. "I didn't forget. I just wanted you to do it."
She stood on her tiptoes, and tried to reach his golden crown. He laughed, and easily reached it and handed it to her. Grinning, he knelt so she could put it on his head. She huffed at the gesture, but placed it on his ebony hair just the same.
"Well, are we ready?" Endymion asked, as he stood.
"No time like the present," Serenity replied, winking.
They walked arm and arm to the dining room. The first pair to teleport in came in a flurry of snowflakes. Zoisite was in the Golden uniform customary to the Golden Kingdom Royal Guard. His badge indicated his rank as Co-General, and his silver crown indicated his position as King of Mercury. At his side was Ami, the Queen of Mercury. She wore a deep sapphire ball gown, and in her hair was an intricate hairpiece that resembled icicles that hung in her hair, and brushed her eyebrows.
The pair bowed quickly, and the Neo-King and Queen acknowledged them with a nod, then the Queen ran into Ami's arms, throwing her arms around her, and hugging her close. The King grinned at his wife's openness, and then eagerly pumped Zoisite's arm. After a moment, the royal couple from Mercury was seated at the long dinner table.
A moment later, in a flash of firelight, the King and Queen from Mars appeared. Jadeite wore his Golden uniform, but his crown resembled a circle of stationary flames. Rei wore a red, velvet gown, with a high collar, and violet flames sewn in. Long strips of red and orange chiffon trailed from her wrists. Her tiara also resembled licks of fire.
The Neo-King and Queen greeted these two fondly as well, and not a moment later, the royal couple from Jupiter appeared in a flash lightning. Nephrite's hair was pulled back neatly, and a crown with jagged lines and green stones sat on top of it. He eagerly greeted Endymion and his friends, letting his wife mingle with the other women. Makoto wore an emerald dress with one wide jagged strap. The right side of the gown trailed behind her a foot, and the left ended at her knee, and she wore emerald high heels. Her hair was tied up in a jagged design, and a few crimped strands fell before her laughing eyes like chestnut electricity. Instead of a crown, she wore her weapon, an enchanted wreath of oak leaves in her hair.
The Queen of Jupiter was almost a full head taller than Neo-Queen Serenity, but the small blond stood on her tiptoes and embraced her friend.
Makoto, Ami and Rei were talking as Serenity waited for the next arrival. They had to smile when the pair from Venus arrived in a flashy display of orange light.
"Minako can't resist making an entrance," the mistress of Mars murmured good-naturedly.
Minako's pale orange gown was all about layers, bows, and lace. Her sleeves were puffy and laced, and the gown clung to her curves, then expanded at the hips. Her multiple layers of skirts were held up by orange bows, and a golden tiara that fairly glowed in the sunlight held back half of her yellow hair. The Love-Me chain hung around her neck.
Kunzite pulled her chair for her, then moved to greet all the men. He also wore a golden crown, stark against his white hair. Endymion moved to shake his hand, but the Vindicator enveloped him in a bear hug instead.
The four Inner Senshi were chatting as if they were sitting in a booth at the Crown Arcade, and the four Shitennou stood at their sides, waiting to take their seats when every lady had arrived and been seated.
A few moments later, the Queen of Uranus and the Queen of Neptune arrived together. Michiru wore an aquamarine gown, mermaid style, true to her element, and two waves of fabric from the back of her dress were looped around both of her pointer fingers. Haruka wore a loose navy dress, tied in a knot around her neck, hanging loosely from her body. True to her nature, her space sword was fastened in her sash in plain sight.
Michiru curtsied low, and Haruka knelt before the Neo-King and Queen of Crystal Tokyo, but Serenity rushed forward and pulled Haruka back to her feet, then hugged them both.
A moment later, the young Queen of Saturn arrived alone. Due to the magic of long lives gifted to the citizens of the Crystal System, Hotaru had caught up in age to her comrades since they all stopped aging at the age of 23, and the Awakening was today celebrating its 54th anniversary. She wore a deep purple halter-top gown. The skirt had an upside down V in the front, and the point was just at her knees, and the train trailed behind her for almost two feet. She wore a simple silver tiara and carried the Silence Glaive with her, but unlike Haruka, she'd placed a sheath over the blade.
She smiled shyly at the company, but when she locked eyes with Serenity, her thin ebony eyebrows knit themselves fretfully together. Serenity frowned, but before she could question Hotaru, the staff came in with the first course of luncheon, and they were seated.
Serenity talked amiably with all of her company, but she cast anxious glances towards Hotaru and around the room.
After they finished the first course, chatter circulated about the whereabouts of the Queen of Pluto, who often visited her small planet on abundant leave from the Time Gate granted her by Serenity and Endymion.
Rei began acting strangely after the second course had passed and Pluto was still missing. Serenity watched her closely. Her eyes darted around erratically when they were open, but often they were clenched shut, her mouth parted slightly.
Serenity knew that look well… it meant Rei was receiving a vision.
Hotaru still looked concerned about something, but the talk on the table, once it passed from Setsuna, was lighthearted and cheerful, and Serenity couldn't bear to interrupt it.
In between his contributions to the conversation, King Endymion watched his wife carefully. She was obviously troubled by Setsuna's absence, especially since they arranged weeks ago for her to have leave today and for another to guard the gate. He noticed Serenity often glancing at Rei and Hotaru. The two of them were acting strangely, and his wife noticed.
The main course came in, but Serenity picked at it. She said very little, zoning out every now and then, before wincing and shaking her head to bring herself back to the present. Soon, she stopped glancing at her two Senshi. She said nothing at all, and her gaze became fixed, and her eyes began to glaze.
Concerned, he turned in his throne, and nudged her. No response. He glanced around. Haruka locked eyes with him, knuckles white against the hilt of her sword. He turned back to his wife.
"Usako?" Endymion whispered, touching her arm. He recoiled; her skin was ice cold.
Suddenly, she blinked, and her eyes were bright and alive with panic. She began gasping for air, and sagged into his arms.
"Ami, Zoisite!" Endymion barked. The two rushed over, and quickly began to examine her.
"Mamo-chan, there's no time! Mamo-chan! Kooin Ya no Gotoshi! Kooin Ya no Gotoshi! I love you, Endymion…" she whispered, strangled and delirious. Then, she went completely limp.
"Oh, Kami." Endymion whispered, panic threatening to take hold of him.
"Pardon us, King," Zoisite said softly but with force. The King numbly obeyed, laying Neo-Queen Serenity on a nearby velvet sofa for Ami and Zoisite.
In an instant, Sailor Mercury had replaced her planet's queen. She summoned her computer, and typed faster than humanly possible. Zoisite checked the Queen's vitals, his face pale and tense. They worked with cold efficiency.
A few moments passed, and Sailor Mercury looked up. Her face was white.
"Haruka. Makoto."
The two looked up, expectantly. Haruka yanked her sword from her sash, before transforming into Sailor Uranus, and Mako ripped the Wreath from her hair without a wince, then became Sailor Jupiter.
"Go to the Time Gate. Find Setsuna. And fast."
The others locked eyes with each other, dreading what Ami's suspicions might be by sending the two fiercest of the Senshi.
Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Uranus disappeared in a flash of lighting and a thunderous whirlwind. Endymion watched them go blankly, then turned his eyes back to his fallen wife, who was getting paler by the minute and still and cold as death itself.
-
When the lights faded, Sailor Uranus held her sword fiercely in front of her, tense and alert.
Jupiter waved her Wreath around, trying to clear the fog. They waited a moment, listening. There were no footsteps, no sounds at all.
And no warning from the Guardian of Time to stay away.
"I can't stand waiting like this," Uranus hissed, gripping her sword tightly. "Cover me."
"Gotcha." Jupiter replied tersely, her mind on her Queen.
Sailor Uranus crept forward slowly until the Gate came into view. She bit her lip when she saw Sailor Pluto's limp body on the surface of the 4th dimension, but, fearing a trap, she didn't approach her.
"Forget the Bond crap, Haruka, just get Setsuna out of there!" Jupiter hissed.
"Fine! Come watch my back at least!"
Sailor Uranus ran forward, sheathed her sword, and gathered Sailor Pluto into her arms, and Jupiter stood guard as Uranus examined her comrade. She was badly beaten, and she'd been lying in a pool of her own blood, but still breathing. The Soldier of the Wind hefted the Guardian of Time into her arms, stood, and prepared to teleport.
"We can't leave the Gate unguarded," Jupiter said.
"Someone's already been through the gate," Uranus replied sharply. "And if they could get through Setsuna, they'll get through whatever replacement guard we put up here."
"Yes, but she'd want the Gate to be guarded anyway." Jupiter shot back. "You know that." She touched a button on her communicator.
"Nephrite?… Yes, we found her… Tell Hotaru and the King we'll need them to help heal her… someone's been through the Gate… Yeah. Do me a favor and send a team of your very best from the Royal Guard and get them up here… Arigatou, love."
An instant later, a squadron of soldiers with activated weapons appeared and stationed themselves silently at the Gate, eyes cold and unblinking.
Without a word, the three Sailor Senshi disappeared.
-
Back in the palace, Sailor Mercury was becoming more and more agitated. Her computer, the most advanced piece of technology in the system, was frazzled by whatever illness had taken the Queen, but Ami had a hunch, a dark and frightening one. She prayed to Selene that she was wrong.
Suddenly, Jupiter and Uranus reappeared. The Guardian of Pluto was limp in Haruka's arms. She had obviously been savagely attacked.
Endymion tore his eyes from his deathly still wife and leapt into action, desperate for something to distract him from the danger pressing his wife.
"Hotaru-chan."
"Yes, my King," the young woman said, instantly understanding.
Makoto viciously swept her leg across the table, effectively clearing it of the gourmet meal. The crystal dishes shattered on the ground. Haruka laid Setsuna gently in the empty space on the table, and Endymion and Hotaru quickly used their combined powers to heal Setsuna. The purple and golden auras slowly covered her wounds. When the two of them were finished, Setsuna's eyes snapped open. She leapt from the table, and threw herself prostrate at Endymion's feet, sobbing with wild abandon.
"I've failed you, Neo-King! Please forgive me, I've failed you!"
Endymion was shocked by the raw display of emotion from the stoic and reserved Sailor Pluto, but recovered quickly. He yanked the Queen of Pluto to her feet, an iron grip on her wrist. She refused to meet his eyes, but he spoke anyway.
"Setsuna, be at peace. You fought bravely. Just tell me what is wrong with my wife!" he commanded fiercely, but his voice quivered on the last word.
All color left Setsuna's bronze face, leaving it sickly white. She looked around the King, and her eyes fell on the still body of Neo-Queen Serenity.
"Oh, no… oh, no, no, no, no!" she whispered, tortured. She walked slowly to the body, her comrades parting to let her pass. She touched Serenity's cheek, tears streaming from her eyes.
"I have failed my Queen," she whispered brokenly to herself. She took a deep breath, and regained her composure, turning to the others in the room.
"Usagi has the time sickness," the Guardian of Time whispered. The name fell from her lips as a death sentence.
-
So it begins. What do you think, everyone? Have I snagged your interest? Please review!
-rosa lunae
PS: Thank you everyone for your kind responses to "Storms"! Your comments are all greatly appreciated!