"I thought I would die if I couldn't have you. Now that I know I can't have you, death seems inferior."

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Title: The Story We Never Knew

Book 1: What They Didn't Tell Us

Chapter 5: Let Me Bow Out Gracefully

Author: Sailor Song

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The ginzuishou of the past could not break Neo-Queen Serenity out of her crystal prison. The Dark Moon's reach extended to the heartbroken daughter of the queen whose memories were easily distorted. Black Lady was the product of the Wiseman's manipulative powers, and became a strong fighter for the Dark Moon Clan. She and Prince Dimando traveled to 20th century Tokyo to try and destroy the city in a time where it was more vulnerable. Together they created a Dark Crystal in the center of the town that would conduct energy to destroy the planet.

Tuxedo Kamen broke in and the Sailor Senshi followed hours later. The team was determined to make their last stand to defend the world, both present and future. However, Tuxedo Kamen went missing and Sailor Moon is trapped in a room with no exit.

"Great," she voiced sarcastically. "There has to be some way out."

"I know the way," a husky voice whispered into her ear. Sailor Moon jumped as two strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind and pulled her in close to a muscular body.

In one quick motion, she whipped around and pushed him hard. Expecting to be free, she was shocked to find how strong her captor really was. Now she was face to face with the man holding her in such a tight embrace. Unable to look him in the eyes, she glared forward into his chest.

"Why, Dimando?" she asked with a soft whisper.

"You can have whatever you wish, Usagi."

She took notice in the fact that he called her by her name for the first time since they had met. Before, he constantly referred to her as Serenity. Did the fact that she tried to help his brother change his mind about her?

She felt his grip loosen on her. She pushed away, but didn't attempt to run. Maybe she could save him.

"One day you will rule over this beautiful, life-giving planet." He paused. "I didn't have such a promising future. I was banished to that dark planet and I struggled to find a way back. I ruled over the people of Nemesis the best that I could, trying to save them from the world of death."

"If you love this planet so much then why must you destroy it?"

"I never wanted to destroy the Earth. It was the only choice I had to keep the King from interfering with my plans."

"What do you mean?"

"Prince Endymion was born high prince of the Earth and sole heir to the throne in the Silver Millennium correct?" Usagi nodded and Dimando continued. "The crowned rulers of Earth have a bond to the planet. Therefore, when we attacked and weakened Earth…"

"You were really weakening Endymion and Serenity," Usagi finished for him.

"Never Serenity, just the king. While she has a bond with him and can feel what he feels, she was by no means my target."

"Then why did you trap her?"

"That was not my doing. That was Endymion, he drove her into that prison."

"I don't believe you! They love each other, can't you leave them alone?"

"Love?" he laughed. "That man could never feel that emotion."

"You're wrong. I choose Mamo-chan, for good or bad and I always will. Neo-Queen Serenity will answer the same."

"A thousand years can change a person," he mumbled as he tightened his hand into a fist. "I wanted to convince you, Usagi." In a flash, she was once again in his arms. "I guess this is my only way." He forced her chin upward to make her eyes look into the one on his forehead. As he cast his spell that began to take over her mind, he leaned in to steal a kiss from her lips.

"Mamo-chan…" she whispered and a tear rolled down her cheek.

"What? No one can fight my spell." In shock, he let her go again and took a step back from her.

"I can heal you, Dimando. Your brother found out the truth too late. But Petz and her sisters are so happy here. We can live together."

"Wiseman said…"

"Wiseman is using your love for his own benefit. He has manipulated. Saffir was trying to warn you."

"Have I been mistaken?"

"Don't listen to her lies. She will only hurt you," boomed a voice. They looked up to see him floating above them. "Remember, she is not yet the future queen you desire."

"Wiseman!" Dimando growled. "How dare you show yourself here."

"This girl has you confused. She is misleading you from our mission. Therefore, she will die!" Numerous streams of dark energy flowed out from his crystal and straight for Sailor Moon.

Frozen in place, Usagi couldn't find any way to move where she wouldn't be in the line of fire. Her body tensed and she closed her eyes to wait for the impact.

It never came.

She opened her eyes to see solid white in front of her. Dimando had jumped between herself and the blast.

"Dimando?" She gasped in horror as his cape began to stain crimson blood. "Oh no!"

He began falling backwards in what seemed like slow motion. She stretched out her arms towards him and braced herself for the impact of his body. She slid down to her knees, holding him against her. She looked at his chest where multiple entry wounds caused by Wiseman's attack began to stain his uniform red.

"You're safe now, Serenity." He paused as he broke into a fit of coughs. His lips too began to stain crimson. "There is so much I had wanted to tell you, but now…" His coughing continued cut him off from what he had been trying to say.

"Shhh… You'll be okay," she said hollowly. He likely had maybe a couple more minutes left. She looked up to where Wiseman had been. Lying below a tattered robe and a crystal ball were the only things that remained of him. Dimando must have destroyed him, but it brought on his own demise.

"Serenity… such a beautiful name… I wish things could have been different. I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I never lied when I said that I love you." His breathing became shallow.

"Dimando," she whispered. "I can heal you."

"No, Serenity. I don't deserve your compassion. But would you promise me something?"

"Anything…"

"That you will remember me," he said with his last breath.

"Dimando?" Usagi leaned over him and cried as he slumped into her. She wasn't sure why. Maybe it was because she couldn't save either him or his brother. Or maybe it was because he had given his life for hers.

That was how Tuxedo Kamen found her. Following their bond, he saw her slouched over the late Prince Dimando. His heart sank to see all of the blood pooled around them. He ran quickly to her side and found his love alive. She was crying and though she was bathed in Dimando's blood, she seemed to be uninjured. Faintly he could hear her sputter out, "He saved my life."

Somewhat grateful, but utterly confused as to what happened, Tuxedo Kamen began to lead her away from the scene.

"Usako… what happened?" he asked, holding her close.

"It… was… Wiseman…" she gasped. She looked to the direction where the sorcerer had fallen, but she could no longer see his remains.

"Prince Dimando was a fool," a voice boomed. Sailor Moon shook in her love's arms. "But, he was enough of a distraction to keep your crystal from the dark gate. Now nothing can stop the Death Phantom! Enjoy the next few minutes. You have front row seats to the end of the world."

"Mamo-chan," she whispered into his chest.

"Yes, Usako?" He wanted to cry. He had just gotten her back and this was to be their last battle?

"We have to end this. Let's go!"

……

As the senshi and Tuxedo Kamen made their way to try and save Chibi-Usa and the world, the crippled 30th century Tokyo lay in wait. In the palace, a shadowy figure moved silently from room to room. A small gray kitten jingled as she pranced the halls behind him. His step quickened as he neared the room where his fallen friends lie. He knew they were all still alive, but he couldn't help but feel this was a room of death. He passed each one of them, even as they slept they still protected their queen… their friend. He walked by Luna and Artemis then as he passed his own comatose body he slowed his pace. There in front of him was his wife lying beneath her crystal prison. He raised his hand and laid it upon the barrier. This was the only object he was unable to penetrate despite his holographic state.

The kitten at his side was silent, though she herself was praying for a miracle to save her own parents, her charge, and her queen.

"Serenity," he said firmly. "Wake up, Serenity!" He knew better. She hated when he ordered her around. How had it gotten to be this way? Had he changed so much? He dropped down to his knees before her. "Usako…" he whispered. "Usako, please help them. Please save our daughter. Please come back to me. This shell of a man is nothing without you. I promise I will fix everything, but please come home."

No sooner than the words left his lips, a flash filled the room and the crystal shattered. In horror, both looked to see Serenity was gone.

"USAKO!" Endymion's scream ripped through the palace.

……

Back in the present, the senshi and Tuxedo Kamen were losing the battle. Wiseman's control over Chibi-Usa was too strong. She was too hurt to believe their words of friendship. They needed a miracle.

'Use the crystal, Usagi,' a voice whispered in her head. One that sounded very similar to her own.

"Serenity?" Usagi pondered.

"Usako?"

She looked to Mamoru and both nodded. They stood, using each other for support determined to win.

"Chibi-Usa," Usagi called, "I know you are still in there. We're going to bring back the little girl we all love!"

"You can't beat me!" Waves of dark energy exploded from Dark Lady's hands and slammed into Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen.

'You can beat this, Usagi!' the voice returned. 'You have to fight to save our family and the world. You know what to say.'

"Moon Crystal Power!" Usagi shouted in the darkness.

"Usagi! Mamoru!" the senshi cried.

Black Lady laughed at her victory. Her triumph was short-lived as a brilliant white light appeared surrounding two figures.

"Usagi?" Mars whispered.

"No! It's Neo-Queen Serenity!" Venus exclaimed.

Wiseman's evil laugh echoed over the platform. "You are too late, Serenity. This time I will finally be rid of you, by the very hands of your own daughter no less." He turned towards Black Lady. "Finish her."

"Soon this world will become as black and empty as my heart," Black Lady said with a hollow voice.

"You are wrong, my daughter," Serenity spoke at last. "You are loved by everyone. It may be easier to believe you are alone at times, but you are never unloved… regardless of what you do. Your father and I could never feel anything for but love. You must believe this. Let me help you. Let me take you home."

As the barriers of Chibi-Usa's heart began to crumble, so too did the dark energy. Again a child, Chibi-Usa was freed from her hate and anger and was able to help destroy the Doom Phantom with the crystal of the future. Earth was saved once again, but many lives had been lost in the attacks.

Usagi awoke to find herself at the fog surrounded time gate. Though her vision was limited, she could see a mirror like image of herself walking toward her. The figure stopped ten feet from her, and for a moment Usage felt as though she was once again looking at her mother.

"I thank you for protecting my daughter," the reflection spoke. "She is my world and I do not know what I… we would do without her."

"Neo-Queen Serenity!" Usagi was thrilled to know that her future self was safe. The fog dissipated a little and she could see that she was indeed looking upon her grownup self. "You're free. Did the senshi break you out?"

"No," Serenity spoke solemnly. "I was never trapped inside the crystal. Instead I remained protected within as it was healing my body until the time was right. I feel a coward, but I had no alternative."

"Why?" Usagi questioned. Before the queen had a chance to answer, Usagi asked the question that had been burning inside her for so long now. "What happened to you and Mamo-chan?"

Serenity smiled at her younger self. "I am sorry, but I can not reveal to you the details. No one should ever know what their future will be."

Usagi nodded sadly.

"Cheer up, Usa! Everything will work out, I promise. Now, go home to your loved ones… they are waiting for you."

……

"Usako… Usako please wake up!" Mamoru held Usagi in his arms, trying with all of his might to allow his life-force to flow into her.

"Ma… Mamo-chan…" This had all but passed her lips when she heard several sighs of relief. Upon opening her eyes, she found her friends and her love surrounding her. Their looks of worry and fear all melted into tears of joy. "Where are we?" She was not entirely sure what had happened after she had called out 'Moon Crystal Power' during the battle. She turned to her find her prince whose face held mixed emotions, most of all relief.

"We are in the park, Usako. You brought us all here before you changed out of your sailor fuku. Don't you remember?"

"I…" Before she could answer, flashes of memories of being Neo-Queen Serenity ran through her mind. "Yes, I do." Startled, she looked around. "But where is Chibi-Usa?"

"Right here!" The pink-haired girl appeared from behind Rei carrying her companion, Luna-P.

"Her mother called her home, but she wanted to say good-bye to you first," said Minako.

"Oh, Chibi-Usa!" Usagi cried as she embraced the child. "You were so brave and strong! Thank you!"

With a mix of emotions, Chibi-Usa pulled away from the hug. "Thank you for everything, Usagi-chan. Bye, everyone!" Lifting a small key towards the sky, she cried out the words that would send her to the future.

"Goodbye… Chibi-Usa…" Usagi whispered.

"Only for now." Mamoru pulled her into his embrace, holding her as though she may vanish at any second.

"I love you, Mamo-chan," she said, tears streaming down her face.

"I love you, Usako."

Author's notes: Wow… I almost cried.

I'm sorry to say I have no good reason for taking so long in updating this. School is nearly out for the semester so this summer I hope to do a better job of utilizing my time for writing. I still believe this is a great way for me to get the practice and critiques I need to make me more successful as an author.

I again submit a disclaimer and must also apologize for going back into the Sailor Moon plot that we all know. This is important, trust me. The rest of the story should be original, yet still following the timeline (i.e. I don't have to quote the anime/manga anymore… yay!) Also, if you catch any spelling or grammatical errors, please let me know. Trust me, I'd rather fix them.