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DISCLAIMER: Sailor Moon/ Neo-Queen Serenity/ Tsukino Usagi, Oosaka Naru, Gurio Umino, Sailor Pluto/ Setsuma Meiou, Tsukino Shingo, Sailor Mercury/ Mizuno Ami, Sailor Saturn/ Tomoe Hotaru, Sailor Mars/ Hino Rei, Sailor Uranus/ Ten'ou Haruka, Sailor Neptune/ Kaiou Michiru, Nephrite, Chibiusa, Chiba Mamoru/ Tuxedo-Kamen/ King Endymion, and Sailor Venus/ Aino Minako are the copywrited property of Naoko Takeuchi, Toei Animation, Bandai, DiC, and other companies whose names I've forgotten now. They are not mine. NOTE: "Serenity's Vacation" is a sequel to my fan-fiction "Release", which is, itself, an answer to the fan-fiction "Tsukino Usagi is Dead" by I would thank Darren Schivo and Edgar for their help in getting me through writing this fan-fiction.
Historic note- Koryo and Silla were medieval kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula.
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Usagi sat alone in the middle of the palace-gardens with the diplomatic papers. As the morning sunlight soaked into Usagi, she took note of the grievances presented by the Ambassadors. How petty they actually seemed. The points of their honor seemed terribly small. Certainly, property was taken and people kidnapped.. but not for ransome and nobody was ever killed. Actually, it seemed more like the ritual taking-away of brides just prior to a wedding. Despite the seriousness of the charges of Border-Raiding, Usagi could not help but laugh.
"Something funny, Usagi ?" a voice softly called from somewhere in the garden. Usagi looked around, but saw noboby. She got up from her seat and searched the garden. She then heard giggling from where she had been sitting. Usagi walked back to her seat and sit down. She looked to her side once more. Oosaka Naru was sitting by her and glancing at the papers. "It sounds alot like what Umino and I did before Umino and I married ! Even down to how we made each other's things 'disappear' to get each other's attention !"
"I can just see that!" Usagi smiled. Then she started to cry softly. "Oh, Naru! I missed you so much.. and Umino ! I still do. I can't even hold you." Usagi felt the cool softness of a ghost- ly hand as Naru gently wrapped an arm around her friend.
"I'm always around, Usagi." Naru smiled. Then she faded away.
"Good.. bye, Naru." Usagi sniffled.
"It is good to have friends to talk to." Sailorpluto spoke as she slipped up on Usagi.
"It helps." Usagi agreed. "I cannot hold them, but they comfort me when times are tough. Like now."
"What of your family ?" Pluto asked. "And what of the Senshi ?"
"You mean when I can come out to see ? My husband and daughter have to run interference for me. And I dare not speak to the Senshi, for fear of causing a rift that Serenity cannot heal. Hai ! You heard me right, Pluto !" Usagi turned to the Gaurdian of Time. "Serenity has grown weary over the years ! I didn't realize how tired and weak her spirit was until we talked at Chibiusa's presentation." Her voice took on a regal tone. "You remember ? The ball where Chibiusa said your services were no longer wanted ?" Usagi could hear the cold loneliness coming out in her voice. Or was it Serenity's ?
"I'm sorry, Setsuma!" Usagi apologized, "that was uncalled for."
"Iie. It is what I deserve." Pluto sighed. "I made you a prisoner, Usagi. I forced Serenity to take control. I showed them the future as it was their's already. That narrowed what you, Sailor Moon, and the Princess could do. It pre-ordained your actions ! And I told Mamoru I could show you no more of your futures because your futures were entirely your choice. HAHA !" Setsuna laughed sarcatically. "The Small Lady and Serenity were right ! I did not tell you, did not show you, even a portion of what could have been. So I doomed you. Can you forgive me ?" Pluto looked at Usagi with pleading eyes.
"I can forgive you !" Usagi smiled. "And I'll speak to Serenity and Sailor Moon. Chibiusa is still a bit hostile, but she can calm down. Provided," she warned, "you remember the name she was born with ! Usagi-chan hates being reminded of the 'Small Lady'." Pluto winced.
"As for the Senshi.." Usagi continued, "The Outer Senshi, except for Saturn, are still a bit contemptuous of me, of my abilities. Sailor Uranus thinks even less of me than she thought of Sailor Moon when the Senshi went against the Deathbusters ! Let's face it, it hurts when you are shown you could be wrong. And Uranus and Neptune were shown they were wrong. And, you stayed desturbingly silent on that, Setsuna ! Blood and tears were shed that were uncalled for."
"Hai. I have to live with that."
"Well, Setsuna, just make sure it does not have to happen again."
"Do you.." Setsuna asked Usagi slowly, "wish.. to see.. to.. touch.. Naru and Umino and Shingo again ?"
"Travel through the Time gate, you mean ?" Usagi responded. "Iie. It would hurt me too much. And my tears would hurt too many, besides Naru, Umino, and Shingo."
"How about.." offered Setsuma, "living life over ?"
"Iie. Once is enough. And Serenity is tired of the rebirths. She and I will end our cycles when our time comes. Friends should stick together !"
Sailor Pluto left, as Usagi remained in the garden.
"What's troubling you, Usagi ?" A soft voice said from nowhere.
"Too many things, itouto." Usagi replied to her brother.
Tsukino Shingo materialized in front of his sister. "Care to talk ? Is it what Meiou-sama said ?" His eyes looked deep into his sister.
"Iie ! It is not !" Usagi tried to reassure her brother. "Not exactly. Were you here to hear what was said ?"
"Hai." Shingo said through his thoughts. His eyes showed love mixed with sadness.
"Oh, Shingo !" Usagi cried. "I did not wish to see the Senshi this day. Not the Outer Senshi. I am tired from our fighting last time. And Serenity is hurt beyond anger ! And I am afraid Sailormoon feel much the same. We are sisters who could not speak to one another who live under the same roof ! We are speaking now. But, the other family-members, who pretended nothing was amiss, can no longer speak to us ! Even those we are still friends with are put on the sword's edge ! And now.. the fighting nieghbors want me to end their quarrel. It is a most-difficult task Serenity has left me ! If I can handle the Senshi, I can handle the diplomacy- but can I last the Senshi ?" Usagi felt the tears roll down her cheeks.
"What of us ?" Shingo asked. "What of seeing your family ?"
Usagi broke down and wailed. "Oh, Shingo !" she cried. "I want to, more than anything ! But, just seeing you a little, knowing I will never again be a part of your lives, hurts too much ! It is best it stays like this. Seeing me cry, for no known reason, would hurt everyone too much." "And," Usagi whishered, "as ghosts, you never really leave me." She smiled at Shingo. "I'm sorry I've hurt you, Shingo. Do not be sad."
"Usagi," Shingo warned his sister, "Sailor Murcury comes this way."
"It is alright, Shingo ! Ami is watching out for me this day." She turned to Ami. "What is it, Ami ?"
"The Ambassadors of Koryo and Silla are coming to the palace ! Sailor Venus is meeting with them !" Ami said. "Also, Uranus and Neptune are searching for you. They said they have important news to discuss with Neo-Queen Serenity." She looked to Usagi. "I tried to divert them. I failed. I am sorry, Usagi !"
Usagi embrased Ami. "That's alright. You did what you could. I would ask no
more. Uranus and Nepyune can be stubbornly persistant !" Usagi sighed. "I'll
have to deal with them, although I did not wish to ! Ami ?" Usagi asked. "Can
you do something for me ? Look up anything that can help me deal with Koryo and
Silla ? I have a feeling I'm going to be too busy dealing with Outersenshi-
business to make it to the royal library !"
"Of course, Usagi !" Ami then asked "'Outer-Senshi business'? Has Sailorpluto seen you yet ?"
"Hai," Usagi said, "after I had a visit from Naru-chan."
Ami caught her breath at the mention of Naru's name. The thought of ghosts prowling the palace was a bit disturbing, even if those ghosts are of friends. The memory of three years ago- of seeing Naru, Umino, and Shingo- and of being spoken to by Nephrite was still fresh in her mind. And who knew who else was here.
The thought of Sailor Pluto being here earlier brought Ami back to the present. "What did the Time-Gaurd want this time ?" Ami asked coolly. Or was Mercury speaking ?
"She just talked." Usagi said. "She said I was fortunate to have friends watching over me. I know she's troubled by what happened between her and Chibiusa and Serenity. She asked me if I'd forgive her imprisoning me."
"Would you ?" Ami asked. "Forgive her ?" She knew Usagi's answer before she said it.
"If it were entirely up to me, I would !" Usagi said. "But it's not up to me. The decision is Chibiusa's and Serenity's."
"And what is Serenity's attitude ?" Saturn asked from the shadows.
"Serenity spoke to Pluto while we talked." Usagi answered. "Serenity has not forgiven Pluto for her actions over the centuries. However, it is Chibiusa who Pluto fears. For it is Chibiusa who feels the most hurt."
"Pluto must really be scared if she feels a need to speak to you and ask your forgiveness, Usagi !" Rei said as she overheard the conversation. "Usually, Pluto tells you HOW it should be!"
"And when was the last time anyone heard Sailorpluto admit that ANYTHING was her fault ?" Saturn asked.
"What did Pluto admit to ?" Rei asked.
"Letting Usagi get imprisoned in her own mind." Ami answered.
"Kami-sama save us !" Rei exclaimed. "The world's coming to an end ! Pluto admitted to pulling strings !" Rei then said, "Usagi, Uranus and Neptune are right behind me ! Want us to back you up ?"
"No," Usagi sighed, "that won't be necessary. Rei, tell Mamo-chan and Chibiusa that I will be in shortly. Ami, look in the library for me. I plan to try to talk to the Ambassadors shortly. I need any information to help me, and maybe the history of Koryo and Silla since the Icy Sleep will help me."
After Ami, Saturn, and Rei left, Usagi let herself the opportunity to release the tears Serenity and Sailormoon were building up. But the time was not enough.
"What is wrong, Neo-Queen Serenity ?" Neptune asked.
"Serenity's taking a vacation", Usagi said flatly. "And Sailor Moon refuses to come out right now." This statement was followed by a deafening five-minute silence.
"Alright, then." Neptune began. "Usagi- can you deliver a messege to Serenity, please ? It is a matter most urgent."
"As I said, Neptune, Serenity is resting. She may be gone for some time. So, you and Uranus will have to deal with me. Whether or not you THINK I'm up to the task is of no consequence !" Usagi then turned directly to Uranus. "Sailoruranus? What is the problem?"
Sailor Neptune spoke. "The Kings of Silla and Koryo are..."
"Sailor URANUS !" Usagi cut Neptune off. "What.. is.. the problem ?"
"The armies of Koryo and Silla are stationed to set sail for Crystal Tokyo." Sailor Uranus answered Usagi. "They only await their Majesties' orders."
"And the Kings are ... ?" Usagi asked.
"In Crystal Tokyo," Neptune broke in, then quietly added, "with their Legations."
"Ah." Usagi said as she formed a plan. "This is good. Tell the ambassadors I will see their Monarchs at the proper time."
"Usagi !" Neptune snapped. "I must protest ! The proper channels must be gone through ! The need is for delicate tact !"
"And WHAT", Usagi said in a martial tone, "would you two know of delicacy ? You two, who- during the war with Pharoah 90- tried to kill the ONLY hope we actually HAD against him ? If you remember, I had already SPENT my resources ! And, IF you had managed to do the militarily EXPEDIENT thing of killing Hotaru-chan, I would not have been able to do the litle I could to defeat the enemy ! But, then, what should I expect from two who can only think along military lines ? And may I remind you that, before that, in your hunt for the Chalice, of the blood you spilled ? Of course, what should I have expected ? Pluto conveniently forgot to tell you that YOU THREE were the ones who held the talismans that formed the Chalice ! And, then, to cap off your brilliant careers, you not only GIVE yourselves to Galaxia, but you let her USE you to kill Pluto and Saturn ! Delicacy ? HAH ! Why you two are in the Diplomatic Service I have no idea !
"And, while I'm at it, you prided yourselves on being Senshi who had been fighting before the Inner Senshi were even reformed. WHERE were you when the Dark Kingdom attacked ? No, don't bother. I remember the rule. 'The Outer Senshi only become involved if the Kingdom is threatened from outside Sol's system.' Then answer this- HOW did Ail and Ann slip into the system ? And HOW did the Blackmoon Family slip off of Nemesis ? That planet is Definitely beyond Pluto's orbit ! Answer me !"
Usagi regained herself. "I'm sorry," she cried softly, "that wasn't called for ! Please," she whispered, "forgive me ?"
"There is nothing to forgive, Usagi !" Uranus said through her tears. "Sailor Moon .. is right! Neptune and I made many mistakes with our thinking. And those mistakes haunt us now ! But, we are as we are. We have to live with it."
Laughter came out of a shadowy corner. "Spoken like true Senshi! Beryl would have loved having you in her army." Nephrite materialized. "Never question, never feel pity, never look back! Even if what you do eats at you like a cancer. Uranus ! Neptune ! Did you ever once stop to think that, maybe, the reason Sailor Moon was such a good General, and why Serenity is such a good Monarch, is because they tried to learn something from Usagi ?" The General turned to Usagi and bowed. "Usagi-sama, three years ago I told Ami-chan that she showed as much courage as Mercury, or any of the other Senshi ! Now I tell you this, that neither Sailor Moon's strength nor Serenity's will would be anything without your heart to temper and guide them. Remember that." He turned back to Sailors of Uranus and Neptune. "And you two remember what I've said, too ! I'll be around." With that, Nephrite walked into the garden.. and vanished !
After Usagi came in from the gardens, she went in to the royal bedroom and cried. She started to wonder if she had the strength needed to help either Serenity of Sailor Moon. She knew that it would be difficult to face another confrontation like the ones with Sailors Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune. And Usagi had a feeling it would get worse before it got better.
Chibiusa slipped into the room. "It's been that bad ?" She asked her mother. Usagi slowly nodded. "Baka-tachi !" Chibiusa hissed. "Why can't they leave us alone ? Crystal Tokyo can run itself just fine for one day. That's all I want - just one damned day of rest !" Chibiusa crawled into her mother's lap and cried. "Why can't the Senshi leave you-" she whispered, "leave US- alone ?"
Usagi slowly stroked Chibiusa, singing to her softly. The lullaby she sang calmed Chibiusa's growing tears and fears. "Everything will be all right, Chibiusa", Usagi said softly. She kissed her daughter lightly on the forehead. How big a difference three years make ! Three years ago, it was Chibiusa, Sailor Moon, and Neo-Queen Serenity who were watching over an ailing Usagi and nursing her back to health. Now, Usagi was nurse and gaurdian.
"Do not worry, Chibiusa. I will not let anything happen to harm you. I love you."
The door slowly opened as Ami entered the room. "Usagi ? Here is the information you wanted. Am I disturbing you and Chibiusa ? Gomen."
"Iie. Arigato, Ami."
Usagi read through the assembled papers.
"A-HA ! The kings seem to be related ! It seems two brothers and their families moved into the area 1,000 years ago. And the brothers went in seperate directions after their in-laws started feuding. And, the families blossomed into the nations of Koryo and Silla ! That gives me an idea..." She read on farther. "Ut-oh ! It seems that I- well, that Neo-Queen Serenity- had to deal with the kings' fathers before ! I doubt they would be happy if they had to deal with anyone using magic." Usagi sighed. "I am definitely the one for this job !" She softly carressed Chibiusa's head.
"Ami," Usagi said, "tell Sailor Venus that I will see the Ambassadors now !"
"Yes, Your Majesty !" Ami smiled.
"Ami-chan !" Usagi giggled. "You know how I hate that !"
"Hai." Ami replied. "But it made you smile. And THAT'S just what THIS doctor ordered !"
"Hai." Usagi continued to smile.
After Ami left, Mamoru slipped inside the bedroom.
"It is good to hear you laugh, Usagi." He smiled.
"Ack!" Usagi said in mock-indignation, "Peeping-Mamoru!" She playfully slapped at Mamoru, while trying not to wake Chibiusa.
"Hai." Mamoru hung his head. "Guilty as charged!" He smiled softly then kissed her. " I've been worried. How is Chibiusa ?"
"Tired. I feel that she has wanted to cry for most of the day." She looked up at Mamoru. "So have I. We have all wanted to cry- Serenity, Sailor Moon, and I. At least, the diplomatic nightmare will be over soon."
"Hai. I've tried to keep the Ambassadors- and Venus- at a distance most of the day. Usako, of all the Senshi who were close to you before, she is the most-distant."
"Hai." Usagi said sadly. "I fear what Kyoto has told me is true- Minako chooses to stay buried as deeply as I was buried against my will. Kyoto must be a very lonely child." She sighed, then laid Chibiusa down on the bed and kissed her. "It is time to face the lions. Come, Mamo-chan."
To be continued in.
Chapter 3, "Battle of the Senshi, Round II"