A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews; they are what push me to continue writing the story. Your input is very much appreciated.

Act II: Betrayal Twofold

(Part I)

What is destiny?

Is it the same thing as fate?

Inevitable. Preordained before time even began?

Or is destiny something that can be changed, manipulated by human hands?

…

Can destiny be changed by a kiss?

"I want her out now."

Usagi was eerily calm as she instructed the two heavy-set guards to remove "Ms. Setsuna" from the Crystal Palace.

"This way Miss." One of the guards took Setsuna's right arm while the second walked slowly behind.

Setsuna hung her head in shame, knowing all too well the severity of what had just taken place. The Queen would not even even address Setsuna by her senshi identity, speaking to her as if she were just a common trespasser in the palace, now being taken away for the deserved punishment.

"My Queen, please forgive me." It was Setsuna's last, and most deperate plea as she was escorted out of the palace.

The guards continued heading towards the door, knowing they were not to look back unless the Queen ordered so.

"Setsuna—Sailor Pluto—" Usagi's voice was void of emotion. The Queen ordered the guards to stop as she walked up behind and around them, eventually facing the dark haired woman whose green eyes now brimmed with tears.

Usagi lifted Setsuna's chin until her face was inches away from her own. Setsuna felt a shiver go down her spine; the big blue eyes the Queen was loved for now seemed to have turned a dull gray. Setsuna felt the Queen's grip on her chin tighten as she spoke.

"Sailor Pluto, Guardian of Time, the eldest of all my senshi, how I loved you." The tears trickled down Setsuna's face, and to her surprise Usagi brushed them away with the tip of her finger.

"Do not shed tears now, Pluto, for the deed is done and cannot be erased. I am ashamed of you..Setsuna."

The last remark was too much for Setsuna to take; she began to sob. Usagi continued to speak.

"I trusted you. My senshi trusted you. My beloved Inner senshi always came to you for advice and the Outer senshi saw you as their leader. What kind of example is this for them?"

Setsuna said nothing.

"And my child, my beloved Chibi-Usa, how she foolishly adored you. You were a second mother to her. When my royal duties kept me away from her, I entrusted her care to you-the child the Mamoru and I made. Instead, you betrayed me when my back was turned. How dare you do such a thing..how dare you!"

As quickly as her hand had come to grip Setsuna's chin Usagi's opposite hand was brought up just as quickly to deliver a stinging slap to Setsuna's tear-stained face.

The sound of the offense echoed throughout the Crystal Palace. The action shocked even the guards, who dropped the now weak and defeated Setsuna to the ground. The Queen's face showed no remorse.

"Guards, let this woman find her own way out of the Palace. Judging by her obvious familiarity with Mamoru she can find her way out easily." Usagi turned her back to the guards and Setsuna.

Setsuna slowly stood up, noticing her Garnet Orb staff on the crystal floor and reaching for it.

"Leave it." Usagi spoke without even turning around.

"But..I.." Surely the Queen didn't mean leave the staff here in the Palace. Setsuna needed the staff so as to fufill her duties as the Guardian of Time.

"It is yours no longer."

" I do not understand.." Setsuna felt her heart race.

"The staff is of no use to you anymore Ms. Setsuna. I'm relieving you of your senshi obligations from this day forward."

Setsuna sank to the floor.

"I'll be seeing you Ms. Setsuna. I would suggest you get home before dark, Crystal Toyko is no place for a young woman to roam at all hours of the nite. Good evening."

Usagi walked away leaving the guards to make sure Setsuna exited the palace.

Now to deal with Mamoru.

A/N: Haha, I really enjoyed writing this part of the story. Although it's unlike her, I enjoyed showing the coldness of Usagi; like time had changed her. Please R&R!