Shadowed Love

Chapter 7

The evening was deep over Tokyo as Haruka parked her car and got out. She stared at the glistening lights of the city in the distance.

The one place you share that does not belong to anyone else.

Crossing the parking lot, Haruka made her way to the door and up to the control pannel. She pressed the button for floor 32. Silence answered her. She pressed it again.

"Yes?" The voice was vacant, tired.

"Frost..."

There was silence.

Haruka could feel her tension even across the technology, "Please, I-"

"I'm coming down."

Haruka stood in the huge empty foyer; with it's walls of glass and waited. There were three elevators and any one of them could be moving. She started to pace, because standing still was impossible.

A moment later, the elevator chimed and it was the loudest sound Haruka had ever heard. She spun around, her heart catching as she saw Frost. But this wasn't the girl she recognized. Frost's hair was dishevled, her pale skin was drawn. Her usually captivating eyes were hollow and empty. Her usually wonderful wardrobe consisted of black shorts and a baggy black t-shirt and no shoes. Her hair hung around her face as if to shield her.

They stood staring at one another; the gap between them was no more then two feet, but it felt like a yawning chasim of nothing.

"Frost, Setsuna told me everything." Haruka began but was cut off.

"Did she?" The words were cold, like ice against the skin.

"Yes, I had no idea that...there had been something between us."

"Does it make a difference?"

Haruka stopped and considered, did it?

Frost snorted, "I thought not. Go, go back to your wonderful artist, back to your life." She turned and started back to the elevator.

"No!" Haruka ran and threw her arms around Frost. She was cold to the touch; Haruka had never noticed that before. Frost didn't struggle, just stood there while the taller blonde held her. "No, I...I mean, yes it makes a difference. I just don't know how much of one."

Frost suddenly vanished from Haruka's arms and appeared from a pool of shadows across the room. The gap between them had grown bigger and her eyes were frightening sad.

"You don't seem to want me around." Haruka said harshly.

Frost began to cry, "But I do. I do. I just can't have it."

Haruka came to her, but Frost stepped deeper into the shadows, threatening to vanish. Haruka stopped. "Why can't you? What's wrong with us being together?"

"What of Michiru? What of your Alliance with Neptune? What of the last years in your life? Would you throw that away to be with me?"

Haruka was quiet again. She really didn't know the answers to those questions. But she knew Frost was starving for those answers. Honesty was the best policy.

"I don't know."

Frost gave a sad nod and stepped away agian.

Haruka reached for her, "Wait!" Frost paused, looking up, "Tell me, would you give up your life to be with me? Would you leave your family?"

Tears sparkled like silver rivers down her pale face. "My family is already gone. They left me here in Tokyo and told me never to come home. So you see? My family left me, I don't have to worry about them anymore."

"What?" Haruka was stunned.

Days ago, she'd goneto the race track and asked Winter for his sister's address. He'd been stubborn at first; but his father had told him to give the information. It had struck her as odd that her father had given in so quickly. Now she undestood why he had.

"Oh Frost, I'm sorry."

"That doesn't do me any good." She said bitterly and vanished from sight.

Haruka cursed and ran for the emergency stairs. She ran up to the thirty-second floor and stopped in front of Frost's door. It was open.

She gently pushed it open, "Frost?"

She stopped at the sound of music.

...You light me up and then I fall for you.

You lay me down and then I call for you.

Stumbling on reasons that are far and few.

I would let it all come down and then some for... you

Pretty baby, don't you leave me.

I've been saving smiles for you.

Pretty baby, why can't you see you're the one I belong to?

I'll be the embrace that keeps you warm,

For you're the sun that breaks the storm.

I'll be alright and I'll sleep sound,

as long as you keep coming 'round.

Oh pretty baby.

I know things can't last forever,

but there are lessons that you'll never learn

Oh just the sense of you, it makes me hurt

So how can you know you make me burn?

Pretty baby...

Can you hold me, and I can let go

When you touch me, it is me you own

You're the place that I hold in my heart

Would you break it apart...again?

My pretty baby...

The song faded away and a moment later the CD changed. Mournful opera floated through the apartment. It was their song. Haruka smiled at the first few chords, the Phantom of the Opera.

Haruka suddenly knew where to find her. Turning she ran from the apartment, out of the building, down to her car and took off for the Tokyo Conservatory of Art and Music. It was the only place that had the Phantom of the Opera on surround sound. Almost as good as being at the thearter.

The conservatory was dark; closed. Yet, a door was unlocked. Haruka ran inside and followed the loud music.

In the shadows, Princess Fireball smiled, "It's time."

Frost sat on the floor, her knees drawn up to her chest. Arms clasped around her knees and head turned to the side, resting on her knees.

Haruka slid to a stop as she saw Frost. She approached and went to her knees, placing a hand on that pale shoulder. Frost shook her off; Haruka cuddled up closer and put her long arms around the crying girl.

Their bodies touched and they fit perfectly together. Frost didn't make any move to lean back, but Haruka didn't mind. She only wished she could fix everything. Make it fair. But she couldn't.

"If I could change time I would, I would." Haruka kissed Frost's hair. "Until today, I had no idea that you and I were so...much more then this."

"This?" Frost shook her head, her hair brushing Haruka's cheek. "Isn't this enough?" She begged. "Aren't I enough just as I am?" She was crying harder. "I can't be a senshi, like Michiru. I can't. It breaks me up inside to do it."

"I know, I know." The other soothed as she gently rocked Frost in her arms. "I know you don't like it."

"But that seems to be what you need; and I can't be like that. I never wanted these damn memories. I never wanted to do anything but race and grow old with the one woman who held my heart. Why is that being denied? Why?"

Haruka was quiet, she'd asked those exact questions herself. She still had no answers.

For the second time that evening she said, "I don't know."

Frost was quiet, they sat in the darkness and listened to the music. Haruka held her tight and never wanted to let go.

"I don't like being senshi," She admitted softly, the words filled the space. "I've grown tired of it."

Frost didn't response.

"The only thing Michiru and I seem to have in common these days is our vow to protect Usagi. Michiru seems to live for the next mission; but I'd rather live for the next race. I still love her; I always will. But that love isn't anything like what you and I have. When I hold you it's like the world fades away; time stops and nothing can reach us. That's something I've never had with Michiru. She helped me gain my identity as Sailor Uranus, she has been my partner in countless battles and yes, I have dreamed of a future with her. But you, Frost, you were there before I was a senshi. You made me laugh when I thought I couldn't. You set me free in a different way. In a way that lasts much longer then I ever thought possible." Haruka paused as she realized this wasn't making any sense.

She tried again, "When the smoke clears, Michiru is ready for the next challenge. But I look into your eyes and I see a heart for peace; a deep longing for quiet love. That's something I desperately want. I'm tired of fighting and dying, tired of being the strongest and fastest. For once I'd like to be able to be held and know that the person I'm with is strong enough for me."

Frost spoke, her tone was a whisper, "Michiru is plenty strong."

Haruka laughed gently, "Yes, she is. But not like you."

"I'm not so strong,"

"Yes you are; do you think everyone can walk away from their duty as senshi? I couldn't, Michiru couldn't. Not even Pluto or Saturn could. But you...you could."

"That makes me a bad person."

"No, it doesn't. It means you can live without needing magical powers or ancient history. I don't know how long you've been able to be senshi, but I know that you raced for years. You had a wonderful career in a life that wasn't sucked up with this whole thing. I never had that. Once I became Uranus, that's all I seemed to be. Everything I did from that moment on, became about the next mission."

"I won't ask you to quit." Frost whispered, "I've been told that if I ask you to do that, I'll destroy the Future for everyone. I can't be responsible for ending another Age."

Haruka hugged her tightly, "You had reason to leave the Moon Kingdom to it's fate. Serenity was unspeakably cruel, she let her fears destroy what we had."

"And now? You have Michiru." Frost was shaking her head. "I can't, I won't, stop you from being with her."

They sat in silence.

Thoughts spun in Haruka's mind.

"Haruka?"

She was startled at the voice at her back; slowly she turned her head, it was Michiru.

"Michiru."

"What are you doing here in alone, sitting like that?"

Haruka glanced at the spot where Frost had been a second before. She had vanished again, moments before Michiru showed up. Haruka stood and brushed off her pants, she crossed to the other Solider.

"It's a different way to hear the music."

Michiru cocked her head to the side and gave a gentle smile. "I didn't know you liked Phantom of the Opera."

Haruka shook her head, the only one who knew that was Frost. "Let's go."

Michiru put her arm around Haruka's waist and snuggled in close. They left the building together.

From deep within the shadows, Frost watched them. "Good bye, my love."

Neocanus lifted his head as the sky lightend, another day. He leapt across the space between buildings. Frost had been gone for almost two weeks. He couldn't even sense her, which didn't mean anything good. The only way he'd loose his connection with Frost was if she had gone into a sub-diamension or was dead. Neither option sat well with him.

He bounded across another set of gaps and reached Usagi's house. The two Guardian cats were waiting for him.

"We've searched this entire city, she's gone." Artemis reported.

"Luna!" Usagi called from within the house, "Luna!"

The door to her room opened a moment later, the girl stumbled in and came to the window. She gasped at the sight of Neocanus, he nodded.

"Um, Setsuna is reporting a shift in the Time...thing. She thinks it might be Chibusa trying to come back."

"Why?" Luna asked.
"I don't know." Usagi admitted.

Neo cut in, "Did the Time guardian give any other options?"

Usagi had to think for a second, "She gave one other; that perhaps someone waa trying to effect time."

Artemis fowned as Neocanus cursed. "I thought Setsuna was the only that could that; and it's forbidden."

"No, it's a closely guarded secret, that Chandra can do it. She created the kingdoms remember? She delegated who would get what powers and so forth."

Usagi made a strangled sound, "Wait! Hang on! Are you saying that Frost or whoever, has the power to change time?"

"Yes. It will kill her, perhaps permantently, but she can do it."

Luna frowned, "How are far back do you think she'll go?"

Neo shook his head, "Knowing Frost as I do, she'll go back to the start of the Moon Kingdom. She'll make it so that she never meets Uranus, and when the Dark Kingdom attacks, the Shadow Moon will aid the White Moon."

"But that'll change everything!" Artemis shouted. "That will mean that no one will be born on earth, no battles with the Negaverse, no searching for the Silver Crystal, no Mistress 9, no Pegasus, no Galaxia. Nothing will happen."

Neocaus nodded, "I am aware of that. The good news is that is takes time for her to build enough focus to do that. We have an oppertunity to-"

"We have to tell everyone," Usagi gasped, "We have to stop her!"

Rei's temple was the meeting place, as it usually was.

"She's going to what!" Everyone shouted at once.

Usagi flinched, "You heard me, Frost is going to reverse time and stop the Moon Kingdom from being destroyed. If she does that..."

"We get the idea, Usako." Mamoru said dryly. He glanced around, "Any ideas how we stop her?"

It was silent.

Michiru spoke, "Why is she doing this?"

Neocanus sighed, "It's because of-"

"Me," Haruka said plainly, Michiru looked at her with wide eyes. Everyone looked at her, except Mamoru and Setsuna.

"Haruka, what do you mean, it's because of you?"

"Back on the Moon, Frost and I fell in love."

Michiru put a hand to her lips, but didn't speak.

"Queen Serenity forced us apart and erased my memories of it." Haruka sighed, "But I met Frost here, in this life, and some part of me remembered her. I don't know how long Frost has been a senshi, but I knew her before I became Sailor Uranus."

"So..."Makoto paused and tried again, "So Frost and you...were together in the Past?"

"Yes."

"And because of you, she's going to end all of life as we know it?" Rei asked darkly.

"I suppose so."

Neo watched the two outer scouts with a tired expression. "We have to focus on stopping Frost from doing just that."

"How do we find her?" Makoto asked.

"The only place she could reverse time is at the point where the New Age is meant to begin. Here, in Tokyo, somewhere."

"But we've searched this city," Luna said, "We haven't found her."

"She's shielding herself, even from me. But perhaps Mercury can find her; her computer may pick up the shield's energy signature."

Ami immedately pulled out her computer and started working.

Frost sat on the floor; legs crossed, hands loose in her lap. Around her the shadows were deep, despite the burning sunlight outside. There was no sound, no other person was here. That was the way she wanted it. No distractions, no one to stop her, not even Saturn.

Opening her eyes she lifted a hand. Her palm faced up, her fingers spread, as if holding something. A moment later, the air crackled and snapped as a shining sphere of energy spun into reality. It sat inches from her skin; spinning and hissing. She lifted her other hand and held it above the sphere. Slowly, as if it were fragile, she lifted the top hand, moving up toward the ceiling. The sphere expanded; pale pulse waves rippled out from the center of it.

"Father Cronus, master of all that is Time and Memory, open the Gate between this Time and the next."

Frost dropped both hands, the sphere lifted higher into the air and rapidly began to expand. The hissing sound grew until the room was defeaning loud. She stood, the force of the winds whipped her hair wildly around her body. Her baggy clothes were plastered to her body. She didn't lift a hand to shield her eyes; she didn't feel the sting of the cyclone force winds.

The sphere pulsed quickly; the light changing with each pulse. It continued to grow. Pulses of light began to fill the room. Suddenly all sound vanished; the wind instantly died and Frost gasped as she was suddenly lifted from the ground.

"Oh no!" Ami shouted, "There's a huge tear in the dimension of Time and Space. She's doing it!"

Neo glanced at Setsuna; the Time Guardian wouldn't meet his eyes. He looked back to Ami. "Where is she located?"

Ami punched more buttons, "The direct middle of Tokyo."

Neo nodded, "That makes sense. Come on, Time Reverse takes a while to work, we might still be able to stop her."

They took off running toward the centre of their city. Neo glanced back and saw Setsuna keeping pace with them. She glanced at him but looked away just as quickly.

I thought as much. He mused and focused on getting to Frost.

Frost continued to rise off the ground; as she did, her hands grew warm. She looked down and saw her henshi device. It glowed in her left hand. She held it up in front of her. Waves of colored light washed over her, her device shimmered. She held it in front of her.

"Eternal Shadow Moon...Make-Up!"

She blinked away the black flood of light and was transformed. The staff in her hand was a comforting weight. Frost looked up and saw she was nearing the entrance of the sphere. For an instant she was afraid, what if she was making a mistake? What if she really was destroying the world?

As the light pulses grew more intense, she let the thoughts go. With each touch of the waves of light; she felt more calm, more peaceful. Her arms went out to the side; her head fell back and she closed her eyes.

Please, she thought silenlty, please help me.

The waves of light filled her mind with images. Vast towers of crystal, pure glittering sunlight bounced off the shimmer structures. Forests of trees, pure blue lakes and oceans, clean air that was empty of toxins.

Frost opened her eyes, "Neo-Tokyo."

She looked down and gasped again. She was hovering above the ground, miles above the earth. She looked up and around, she was in outer space! To her right she saw the pure white moon; beyond that she saw the rich red of Mars, the vast size of Jupiter and the mysterious glow of Venus.

Beyond that she knew there was Saturn, Pluto, Neptune and Uranus.

Around her burned thousands of stars; countless small fires that lit the darkness.

Looking back to earth she could see the white of the clouds, the shimmering air of the atmosphere. She caught glimpses of rich-blue water and lush green lands.

"This is the Future." She whispered and her voice echoed in the space around her.

As if that were a magical word, she was suddenly falling. Hurtling toward the Earth. She tried to control the fall but her body was suddenly tumbling and spinning; she was helpless.

As she fell, her mind showed her more things.

Hey Frost, are you going to race today?"

"I sure hope so, my dad promised me."

"Cool, I've never won against a girl before."

Another image

Frost, this is Haruka Tenoh, she's the star of Japan. Now be nice and don't go all, you know...weird.

Another image

I think Frost has the best future of all junior racers out there," Her manager had said, "She's smart, brave and most of all, racing is in her heart. That's what makes winners. The love of what they do."

Frost opened her eyes, "The love of what they do."

She suddenly stopped falling; her body jerked to a stop and she hung in the air, hanging above the earth. She could see the outline of countries now. Australia, Russia, Japan, Italy, Frace, countless islands. Countless people.

She struggled to stand up straight; she was still in her senshi outift. Looking at the staff in her hand she stared at the Royal Orb.

"Show me Tokyo." She ordered, the Orb flared and she was suddenly thrown down and foward. Her body jerked to a stop and she was hovering above the city of Neo-Tokyo.

The buildings were positioned along the lines of a star. Each point had a planet symbol associated with it. Mercury had one point, Jupiter had another, Venus and Mars were each assigned points. At the centre, was the symbol of the Moon. As it make it stand out, the great spires of an awesome palace speared into the blue sky.

Frost knew the name of that place; she'd known it all her life. "Palace of the Neo-Moon."

She was dropped again, thrust toward the spires as if they might impale her. She was falling faster now, much faster!

She had to do something and quick!

"Shadow Wall!"

The orb flashed and she was surrounded by a black wall. The spires didn't puncture the protective surface. She bounced wildly and suddenly hit the ground. The wall vanished.

Lifting herself off the ground, Frost stared at the palace. She was standing in the courtyard; surrounded by glistening white stone and whispering water fountains; lush gardens and warm clean air.

To her left was a vash walk way; there were archways every few feet; the corridor ran the length of the courtyard. Atop the corridor at either end were fluttering flags. Frost followed the roof of the corridor and found it formed a perfect square. Each corner of the square had a flag; she sqiuinted to get a look at them. Each flag symbolized one of the four planets she'd seen from the sky.

As Frost turned again, she was facing the main building. Atop it were four flags; two on either side of a large metal half-moon surrounded by a large star. The four flags belonged to the outer rim planets.

Frost let out a sigh and wondered what to do next. She was curious about this place; yet she wasn't. It was as if she had seen this place a million times and knew every corridor and hidden passage way.

"Hello Frost."

She spun and was startled at the woman who stood a few feet from her. "Who are you?" She had a hunch she knew who it was.

"I'm you." The woman smiled and it was her smile. "I'm the Future version of you."

Frost eyed her critically. The woman was tall, with a curvy figure under that flowing black gown. Her silver-brown hair was down to her knees, there were braids running through it; each plait was woven with glittering black stones. Her eyes were amethyest-green and her face was smooth and flawless. On her forehead was a silver double half-moon, glittering black stones traced a thin line on either side of the mark. Atop her head sat a silver crown; it sparkled in the warm golden light. There were smaller gem stones in the crown; their colors winked like stars.

Frost looked to her hands and saw the staff sitting in her left. It was different, though. The Orb had changed; the metal had changed.

Something told her that was important.

"Perhaps we should talk?" Her future self offered, as if sensing the questions in her.
"What do I call you?"
She smiled, "I am Selena."

"Figures," Frost muttered to herself.

Selena gave a soft smile, "Follow me."

Selena was far more graceful then Frost could ever hope to be. As they walked up the steps to the corridor around the palace, Frost wondered where everyone was.

"This is an image of the Future. There is no one here yet." Selena informed her.

"Then why are you here?"

Selena glanced back, her eyes twinkled with laughter, "You're quick, that's good, it will help. I am here because you are here. We are linked, you and I."

"Sounds a little creepy."

"Indeed, it is."

Selena and Frost entered the first corridor, under Venus.

"Perhaps," Selena said after a moment, "I should allow you ask questions. You have them, I'm sure."

Frost sighed and tried to figure out where to begin. "Am I really the enemy of all this?" She waved her hand to the courtyard.

"That depends on you. If you wish for this, then yes. If not, then no."

"I'm sick and tired of hearing that crap. Can't someone give me a direct answer?" Frost shook her head, "You're as bad as Pluto."

Selena arched a brow, "You've spoken with the Guardian."

"Yeah." Frost shook her head, "She's a real piece of work."

The other woman laughed, "Yes. She is."

Frost glancd up, "You don't like her either?"

Selena gave a shrug, it was another of Frost's motions, "She and I have differing views on many things. We've agreed to disagree."

"Hmmf" Frost glanced at the fluttering flag as they approached Mercury. "How can I possibily do anything about this? I mean, I don't even want to be a part of this. I'm a race car driver, not a...a solider. I can't even have the one person I love and yet I'm supposed to creat this paradise for everyone else?" Frost shook her head, "That's not fair."

Selena glanced at her, "No, it's not. It never has been, probably never will be."

They turned down Mercury's corridor.

"The point is, Frost, do you love the peace of the world as much as this one person?" Selena asked.

Frost frowned at her, "I don't get it."

"Yes you do. Think." Selena paused, "You're creating a future for the entire world. The Neo Crystal will change everything, instantly. It can either change it to this..." She motioned to the world around them, "Or not."

"But how, why?"

"Your heart." Selena's words were sad, "If you love with your heart, the Neo Crystal will expand that and cover the world with it. If you hate...that will cover the world."

"I just want-"

"I know." Selena sighed and looked over at Frost, "I know what you want. I know what you crave more then anything, because I also crave that."

Frost met those eyes and wanted to cry again, "I can't have it, can I?"

Selena looked away, silence stretched between them. The whisper of the fountains was loud as they came to the entrace of Jupiter's corridor.

Frost stared at the floor as they turned; the pain of her broken heart ached with every breath.

"I can't make a future for anyone if Ican't even get through a single day." Frost admitted. "I wake every morning and I'm crying; my chest is tight and I sit there knowing that she's out there, beyond my reach. I close my eyes when I sleep at night and I hold my breath so that I won't smell her collogne. I would give my life to forget her touch; to forget the happiness that I had once."

"Would you?" Selena asked as they came to the end of Jupiter and started into Mars.

"What do you mean?"

"Look at the Royal Orb," Selena nodded to the staff in Frost's right hand.

She looked at it. The Black Star Crystal glinted and sparkled. The studded gems of the other planets winked at her as they sat in the silver claws that held the stone. The infinity symbol shimmered as the sun touched the double half-moons that crowned it all.

"What about it?"

"That Crystal is the final peice of the puzzle, Frost."

"No, this is the Black Star Crysta, not the...whatever one."

"The Neo Crystal is the Black Star Crystal." Selena paused in the corridor and showed Frost her staff. "See?"

Frost looked and stared. The most beautiful amethyst she'd ever seen sparkled within the staff. The five surrounding gems were at the base of the stone in a silver metal row. The infinity symbol sat upright between the two half-moons.

"But how?"

"When Chandra's heart turned cold against the Moon, the stone blackened, reflecting her heart. It will take a pure heart to return it properly. You are bitter against the loss of Uranus, but that's because Chandra is bitter. Frost, think about it. You've said it before, you don't want this life, the life of a senshi. You don't want to continue on in this life."

Frost sighed, "So?"

"So?" Selena shook her head, "Use your desire to end this all, but use it for good. Pour all of your good memories, all of your love for Uranus, into the Black Star Crystal. She may not love you, but the crystal does. It's a part of you. Just like the Silver Crystal belongs to the White Moon Princess. The Neo Crystal has always been yours; it just needs you to love it, like you once did."

"What?"

Selena sighed, "You know that you created the Kingdoms of the Moon, right?"

"Yeah."
"You created them from love, using the Neo Crstyal. You're love for life and beauty and everything good, is what gives the Neo Crystal it's power."

"I thought Sailor Moon was the Solider of Love and Justice."

"She is, but her love is for those she cares about. Ask to her save the world and she runs scared. Believe it or not, she still does."
Frost chuckled, "Really?"

"Yes." Selena nodded, "But that's beside the point. You alone can do this. That's what Pluto was hiding from you."

"What?" Frost stared at her, "What do you mean?"

"Pluto knows the Neo Crystal belongs to you. She wanted you to give it Serenity, but you refused."

"Why would she care?"

"Because, it's the Neo Crystal that made the Shadow Moon so powerful. Imagine having the complete and utter power to create a planet, all the life in it and then give those on it powers to guard it." Selena paused, "It's like playing God; and that scares a lot of people."

"But..."Frost stopped heself and tried again, "But...I didn't mean to."

Selena laughed, "I know. It's not something I like to bring up at meetings."

Frost shook her head, "I just want to give it up. I want to stop this crazy stuff."

"So end it." Selena said gently. "End it all."

"But won't that destroy this paradise?"

"No. Give the power of the crystal to each planet. Share it with them. Allow the Future generations to take over." Selena paused, "You haven't met Small Lady, but she is a powerful woman. She is worthy of her mother's future."

Frost realized what she meant; but a thought dawned on her, "But what about...us? If we share the power of the Crystal, we'll fade out, right?"

"No, but we won't be the sole holder of it. There are somethings that we can do that no other senshi could ever do. Not even the Neo Crstyal can change the fundamentals of a person's soul."

Frost was quiet as she stood in the shade; she looked out over the lovely gardens, the pure fountains, the gleaming white stone of the walls. "I wanted to share it with them."

Selena looked at her, "Yes, you did. That's something Serenity never understood."

Frost looked at the dark crystal in her staff and felt tears, "So, that's it. I won't win."

"In a way, you will." Selena smiled at her, "It's a greater sacrifice to go without love, then to chase after it."

"Tell me about it," Frost closed her eyes, "Once I do this...thing, I'll die, right?"

"Yes."

"Damn," Frost opened her eyes, "I really hoped I'd get to win another race."

Selena laughed; it was a full, happy sound.

Frost smiled at her and they knew she'd do it.

Neocanus looked up at the tall building. He could feel her inside, but it was faint, as if she wasn't quite there. He looked back to the building; Ami was working on finding an entrance.

"The power is steady inside the buidling. It's not expanding or anything, it's just there." Ami reported as she worked on her computer.

"Nothing's changed out here," Michiru remarked, "Perhaps we're wrong?"

Neo frowned at the building. If she wasn't in the Past, where was she?

Frost let out a sigh, "So how do I get back?"

"Think of the Present, and the Orb will take you there." Selena was standing a few feet away from her. "It's been intersting, Frost of the Shadow Moon."

Frost glanced over at the woman and could only smile, "Hey, Selena, tell me something?"

"What?"

"Do things change for us?"

Selena knew what she meant, "Love is a powerful force, Frost. It can do wonders."

Frost frowned at her, "What is with cryptic answers?"

Selena laughed, "Hurry, you don't have much time left."

"Yeah, the Age is a coming and I have to open the door for it." Frost waved to the other woman. Lifting her staff into the sky, Frost closed her eyes, "Return me to the Time of the Present."

"There's something happening!" Ami shouted and stopped typing, she looked up at the building, "The power has changed."

Suddenly the shadows around the building parted and began to disappear. Neo didn't wait to see what was happening, he charged into the buidling. As he lept through the entrance he felt a powerful wave wash over him; he felt it fill up his entire body and break over his fur.

"What is happening?" Rei asked, "Everyone, I think we should transform!"

Neo floated in the rush of power. Dimly, he was aware of the others transforming.

My Queen?

Neo, it's time. Good bye.

He felt the wave suddenly stop and rush backward; he was dropped to the ground and landed on his feet. He looked down and saw his fur glistening silver-black. He flexed his take and it swished with a metalic sound. He shook himself and the body armor clinked softly.

Lifting his head he ran for the stairs; the scouts were right behind him.

Frost could feel the group as they ran toward her. She opened her eyes and felt different, as if something had changed. Looking down she stared at the flowing silver-black gown. Black ribbons waved out behind her as if caught by a non-existant wind. Silver half-moons lined the top of her dress; glittering in the light of something she held in her hands.

She looked into the buring orb of light in her hands. Within it, she could see the Universe. All the stars, all the planets and solar systems. Everything sat in that small space she was responsible for all of it. The light it emitted pulsed in soft, gentle waves over her body, across the floor and filling the room. Each wave was something she could feel, behind her eyes she could see it reaching across the city, touching every building, every life, every thing. Beyond the city she felt the island of Japan, beyond that, the waves carried across the world.

Each wave followed the previous in a never-ending flood of soft, genlte awareness.

Neo stopped as he ran up the steps; that's when he felt the first ripple coming at them. His eyes widened "STOP!"

They stopped and turned to him, it was Mars who spoke first. "What is it?"

"We can't go any futher." He replied.
Luna bounded up beside him, "Why not?"

"They can't be in the epicentre of this. It will destroy them."

"We're Sailor Scouts, it won't harm us." Jupiter countered.

Neo shook his head, "Listen to me, this is the birth of a New Age; the Age of Neo-Tokyo. The fudamental workings of the world are being changed. The basics of this entire world are being altered. If we stand at the epicentre, we'll all die. Powers or no, Silver Crystal or not, we have to stay away." He realized they weren't going to get it, "Look at your feet."

They looked down and quickly backed away, "What is that?" Venus asked, clinging to a nearby wall, "Is it dangerous?"

"No," Neo watched the soft, silvery waves of light as they rolled down the stairs and out of the buidling. "This is how the New Age will be born." He smiled gently, "Let's go out side and watch."

They turned reluctantly and returned to the outside of the building. The silver waves were expanding in every direction; spreading over the world.

"It's beautiful," Mercury whispered.

Neo nodded in agreement.

Frost felt tears tumble down her face as she lifted the Neo Crstyal above her head. "By the powers of the Shadow Moon, by the beat of my heart and the powers of the Alliance of the Moon, Awaken, Neo-Crystal. Awaken!"

She could see it before she felt it; the inside of the crystal swirled into every color and came alive. The power of it made her skin twitch, her breath caught and in the same instant, her heart flooded with the Power of the Crystal. Her eyes widened as her mind expanded and saw eveything in the world and the universe and beyond. Her body lifted into the air as the power filled her skin and was contained in her heart.

The heart...is what will decide the Future of the world.

Laughter filled her mind as she tumbled back through time.

She was at the race track in Florida; she and Haruka were training their bodies and had a competition going between them. So far Haruka was winning, she was just so fast!

You run fast don't you? Frost had finally caught up to Haruka and was gasping for breath; the blonde woman laughed and put her arm around her.

I like to be in front.

I noticed.

They continued to run up the bleacher steps and Frost could only smile.

The warm late day sunlight was lazy as it peeked through the curtains. Finger tips of light caught the bed covers and tried to creep up further. Someone moved and the sunlight scattered away.

Frost woke and felt haruka beside her. You're supposed to be at the track.

They called me this morning, there's a problem with the car. They don't need me until tomorrow.

What do you say to going out? Frost asked as looked at the woman beside her, Perhaps to the opera again?

Haruka smiled sleepily, her arms wrapping around Frost and pulling her closer, I say we stay in bed, all day.

Frost gave a teasing smile, That sounds boring.

It won't be.

The laughter faded and Frost opened her eyes; tears blurred her vision but she didn't need to see. She knew what had to be done.

"Love of heart, hope of my life." As she spoke, her heart filled with every good emotion she had, Haruka's face floated behind her eyes. "Fill this world and let those in it know the best. Evolve those who Guard the Future and keep safe their hopes."

Frost closed her eyes, I give you the only thing I have, my love...I give you my heart.

Haruka gasped as her chest suddenly burned; it wasn't an unpleasent pain, quite the opposite. She touched a hand to her herat, it was hot! As she touched it, golden light flooded outward and she was floating. She opened her eyes and golden ribbons floated around her, she was somewhere between transforming.

Haruka...

She looked up and saw Frost's face, it was hazy, sort of like a ghost. "Frost?"

For you...For you I have changed the world. Protect it!

"I don't want to be a Senshi anymore!"

"It is your destiny."

"No, Frost, I-"

"You have a duty to the Princess, you had this duty before our meeting, you will have this duty for ever more. Embrace it, Haruka. It is the only way you will ever find the peace you long for."

"I found my peace in you, Frost."

Her ghostly face smiled softly, there was a shimmer of light. haruka felt something touch he rheart. "I am with you, in your heart. I am one with you. The mind does not need to know what the soul knows."

Haruka opened her eyes, "You're leaving."

"My work is done, for now. When the next Age is upon you, I will return."

Haruka was crying as she stared at that beautiful face, "I love you, Frost."

"I know and I love you." Frost smiled, "I made this world for you, no one else."

"I can't do anything wiht it."

"But the Princess can, that is her duty. You are her Guardian, Haruka. Make sure she is true to the world, and the rest will follow."

Haruka closed her eyes and smiled through the tears, "I will await your return."

"Haruka?"

She opened her eyes and saw Neptune leaning over her. "Are you okay?"

Looking around she saw the others with worried expressions. Her gaze went to the city around them and it was amazing. The world had changed!

"She did it." Haruka mused, "She actually did it!"

"Who?" Neptune asked

"Frost, she did all this."

Neptune frowned, "Who are you talking about?"

Haruka stared at them and looked to Neocanus; his expression said it all. They had no memory of Frost Stovick.

Later, as the sun was setting on it's first day of the New Age; Haruka was alone. She stood with her back to the glorious Neo-Moon Palace with it's crystal spires and the fluttering flags.

"Princess?" Neocanus approached Haruka slowly.

"Don't call me that," Haruka replied coldly.

"Haurka, you don't seem happy."

She looked at the huge black wolf; he and the other Guardians have been changed as well. He was as large as small car and wore a silver mantle with a glowing moonstone in the centre.

"They don't remember her, Neo." Haruka said gently. "They don't know who she is."

"No, the Inner Princess' will not retain memories. But you will, you and Saturn and Pluto will remember."

"Why not Neptune, she's an outer scout?"

Neo looked out over the glistening new world, "Frost did not create this world for Michiru, she created it for you."

"She told me that."

He looked at her, his expression was surprised. "She told you that?"

"Yes. I saw her, I felt her." Haruka touched her chest, "My soul was warm and I was...I was so peaceful."

Neo was watching the tall blonde woman for a long time before he spoke. "So that's who she gave it to."

"What are you talking about?"

The giant wolf smiled, "The one secret that Frost kept from everyone knowing."

Haruka frowned at him, "How many more secrets an there be?"

"There are endless secrets, Haruka. The Universe is not a small place, it is a vast and mysterious place. Like Frost, the Universe is timeless, it changes and it expands."

She still didn't understand.

Neo faced her, "Look in your hand, Haruka."

She looked down and saw nothing, but as she watched something began to glow. Slowly the light formed into a single shape and a light weight rested in her palm. The glow vanished and she stared at the shimmering surface of a multi-colored stone. With each touch of light a new color would flare in the depths of the smoky stone. Like all the colors of the world were mixed together and waiting to be found.

"What is it?" She asked.

"The Universe Crstyal." Neo smiled at her, his silver eyes sparkled. "The one secret Frost kept from even Pluto herself, is that of the Universe Crstyal."
"What's so special about it?"

The Guardian chuckled, he shook his head as he turned. He started back to the palace, speaking over his shoulder. "One day, Haruka, you will understand."

She frowned athim and he laughed again, "Why did she give this to me? What is it?"

"It's the Universe, Haruka. My Queen gave you the Universe. Some people give their lovers the world...She gave you the Universe."

Haruka stared after the wolf until he disappeared into the palace courtyard. She looked to the glistening gem in her hand.

Looking out over the pristine buidlings of Neo-Tokyo, Haruka smiled. The sun dipped behind the rim of the world and the gem in her hands was brighter then any one star. It glowed in the palm of her hand and she genlty closed her fingers around it. The ligth still glowed between her fingers...she was a senshi, a Solider of the Sky and protector of the Moon Princess...and one day, she would see her soulmate again...until then, she held the Universe in her hand and smiled at the start of the New Age of Neo-Tokyo.

THE END