A long time ago, Avatar Kalkin disappeared without a trace, and with the absence of any successor, the world was gradually thrown into chaos. But the cycle has continued, for a new Avatar has emerged to restore order to the world. This is her story.

AVATAR

The Celestial Sailors

BOOK ONE: CHAOS

22: I Can't Stop Loving You

Two days after the new Avatar revealed herself, a grand funeral was held in the city of Ba Sing Se. Beryl, Kunzite, Jaedite, and Zoicite would all be put to rest; the twenty air-benders who had fallen in the battle would be honored and interred in their own fashion the next week. It was a fine, warm day, with many flowers and trees in bloom; an honor guard of soldiers, officers, and benders from all four nations were there to offer their final farewells, with Nephrite to oversee most of the ceremony. As controversial as the queen and her Generals had been, there were still many people who admired and respected them. Their feelings about Beryl's sudden demise, the appearance of the Avatar, and the revelations surrounding Mamoru were...not exactly benign. It would certainly be something to look out for in the future.

Usagi tried not to be too conspicuous as she sat with her family. She had been offered to say a few words on behalf of the departed, but she politely declined. The pain of their battle and its aftermath was still too close to her, and she doubted anyone would want to hear from her anyway. Nephrite was the main speaker; Motoki offered a few words of condolence as well, and made sure to illustrate all the good Beryl had done for their two nations. Their nations, he said... Even after surviving her assassination attempt, he still thought of Beryl as his neighbor. He was doing everything he could to ease tensions and usher in a very uncertain future—including a vehement refusal of unity. He was neither conqueror or opportunist: Ba Sing Se would remain independent, a friend and ally in times of prosperity or trouble. The crowd seemed to accept that, but time would tell what would come of all this.

Several days later, the Fire Nation held their own funeral for Jaedite, and for everyone else whose lives had been lost since that dark day at the tournament. Kuni and Iku gave the General a heartfelt farewell, and Oboro even compared his heroism to Kalkin's—but it was Kotono's words that rang out the strongest. General Jaedite, she said, would forever be remembered as one of the Fire Nation's greatest heroes, the man who had preserved it in its darkest hour. He had been willing to sacrifice his honor and good reputation for his people, and in the end, even gave his life for them. She concluded by unveiling a life-sized statue of the man, a beacon that would serve as guardian and guide for the citizens. Inscribed on a plaque beneath the statue were the words, "Without a guide, others must rise to forge the path and build the bridge". Nobody noticed the tears in her eyes as she rejoined her family, hanging her head in quiet mourning.

The day after Jaedite's wake had concluded, Kuni and Iku summoned their children to a private conference. Oboro and Minister Takeshi Hino, Rei's father, were there, alongside a handful of priests and representatives, including Rei's grandfather. Ittou and Kotono weren't sure what this was about, so they settled into their chairs with some trepidation.

"Thank you for coming," Kuni announced warmly. "I know we have all suffered through an intense tribulation these past few weeks. We have lost many good people, and there are still many of our citizens unaccounted for. But at long last, the Avatar has been revealed to us. It is my belief that, in the coming months and years, we may expect a rejuvenation of the world—perhaps even a renaissance. However, no Avatar can repair the world's problems on their own. She has great friends at her side, but she will need more if we are ever to achieve any meaningful peace. Therefore, in lieu of a team designated to locate the Avatar, I would like to assemble one to undergo a mission of mercy and goodwill. Not to worry," he added with a wry expression, "there will be no tournaments held this time. In fact, my wife and I have already decided on who will be a part of this team." They held hands and beamed proudly at their son and daughter, who were honored, but a little taken aback.

"You want both of us to..." Ittou pointed. Their mother smiled.

"You've both shown you're more than capable. You are compassionate, strong, kindhearted people who never gave up in the face of adversity. You've each become great leaders, cunning diplomats, and renowned warriors. You may refuse, of course—goodness knows I'd love for you to remain here with us—but I would be proud to entrust the safety of the world to you two."

"I think you mean the three of us, Iku," Oboro spoke, smiling lazily. "Your kids are great people, but they'll still need someone with experience on their side. I'd be honored to accompany them."

"That's quite impertinent for you to suggest that without our leave," she teased him. Oboro laughed and rubbed his gray hair.

"I got the feeling you would've commanded me to do it anyway. I just thought I'd save you the trouble of asking."

"And so you have!" Kuni exclaimed. Oboro waved his thanks, then got down on his knees before the prince and princess, taking their hands into his.

"By my honor as a servant of the Fire Nation, a friend of Avatar Kalkin's, and a warrior whose arms have not yet failed him, I pledge myself to my prince and my princess, to guard them with my life and guide them with my wisdom. My services are yours to command, as they were your parents', and theirs before them."

"And we will honor your service and valor for all of our days," Kotono announced. Ittou smiled.

"Rise, Sir Oboro." He grunted.

"Um, yeah, if I could just get some help with that... The knees aren't what they used to be, y'know." They grinned and helped him stand; then, Kuni clapped his hands loudly. The conference doors opened, and five familiar people entered the room. The prince and princess smiled for joy as Lark, Ku Sheng, Salamander, Suo, and Kartti approached and knelt before them.

"We also thought you could do with a few extra companions," Kuni said. "I have it on good faith that these five are esteemed and trustworthy people, and it would gladden my heart to have them journey with you."

"Ours too!" Ittou exclaimed, grinning with Lark. Salamander chuckled.

"You didn't think we'd let you hog all the fun to yourselves, did ya? Um, I mean, your exaltednesses."

"And here I thought we had gotten rid of you," Kotono sighed, happy though she was to see them. She looked to Kartti and asked, "What about your sister? We wouldn't dream of separating the two of you."

"I am honored to hear you say that, my liege," the woman replied, still as serious and straightforward as ever. "I did make her an offer; however, she declined the invitation, and I respected her wishes. Keya's path will diverge from mine for the time being, but rest assured, your majesty, that she will come if she is needed. I will work twice as hard in her stead."

"And I'll work three times harder'n any of em'," Ku Sheng added. Kotono smiled proudly.

"I know you will. So shall we continue to call you Ku Sheng, or would you prefer your original name?" The enormous woman blushed.

"Naw, I've taken a shinin' to it, beggin' yer leave, yer majesty. I think I'd be happier with m'new name, but you can address me any way y'please, m'lady."

"And I think I speak for Ittou when I beg you all to do the same. You may be our subjects, but you have also become good friends. Please just think of me as Kotono." She smiled warmly and hugged them all in turn; Lark and Ittou grinned as they embraced.

"So where to first, my friends?" Suo said. "I know the seas around this country well, and I could take you to many lands where our help will be much appreciated." Ittou glanced over at his parents.

"Mom, dad, do you have any suggestions?"

"Go where the wind takes you, my son," Kuni answered. Fire Lady Iku piped up.

"Actually, Fire Fountain City took a lot of refugees in. They were hit particularly hard by Beryl's forces, so I'll bet they could use a hand. Plus, it's close to home. It would be a good place to start." Ittou looked to the crew, who all nodded in accord.

"All right, Fire Fountain City it is."

…...

Mamoru decided to put off telling Usagi about his discoveries until he and the scholars were completely assured of their validity—and according to them, the process would take at least three weeks of intense study, research, and personal inquiry. Mamoru explained everything to Motoki first, and as expected, the king was stunned. He promised Mamoru that he had no idea of his heritage when the previous king had taken him in: Mamoru had simply been another boy orphaned by conflicts as far as he knew. Motoki wanted to look into it on his own, but Mamoru assured him that wouldn't be necessary. Instead he begged leave to remain in Ba Sing Se, and Motoki gave it to him. It didn't escape him that, with the Avatar remaining there with her family, Mamoru's reasons were not entirely professional.

So Mamoru subjected himself to whatever battery of tests the scholars laid before him. Three weeks was hopefully enough time for him to prepare for whatever new direction his life would take him, but he feared it all the same. What if he wasn't the True King? What would become of the Earth Kingdom? Would it be thrown back into turmoil, or would there be another war to decide who would take the throne? And what if he was the King? He could command Motoki's Tellurians well enough, but he had no idea how to rule a country. His understanding of Ba Sing Se's policies and infrastructure were minimal at best, and worse still, he feared the people wouldn't accept him, and would brand him a usurper. War might very well break out no matter what he did.

During the long three weeks, the girls went their separate ways; only Usagi remained in Ba Sing Se, and only because her father was there, catching up on all the news he had missed while simultaneously recording all the modern history that was shaping around them. Ami had healed her expertly, so she could move about in comfort, but she was famous now, and every time she set foot outside, she would have to confront that fame, be it for good or ill. She spent a lot of time resting, or helping Mamoru, though she gave aid where she could.

Minako left the city with her father and his remaining air-benders, spending most of her time preparing for funerals. Aside from issuing a farewell to Kunzite, there were also twenty air-benders to send off. It was a solemn affair; Minako had known many of them personally, and shed more than her fair share of tears. As per custom, their bodies were interred and their ashes scattered into the wind; as Sifu Kinsei's daughter, it was her duty to bear some of the ashes and release them. Minako spent a few days after the funeral resting and taking care of Artemis, though she was back on the road in no time, having a few errands and loose ends she needed to take care of. She made sure to stop by her mother's grave before leaving.

Rei feared that once she returned to the Fire Nation, she'd never be able to leave. Kuni and Iku would have their hands full rebuilding their nation; her father would be handling the diplomatic side of things; there was also the matter of the group going to Fire Fountain City on a mercy mission. She spent a little time hovering between all three, but eventually ended up back at Hikawa Temple, praying for guidance. Her grandfather came by one day and spoke with her about her feelings. He could tell that Rei was torn, and that she would likely place duty before desire as she always had. He smiled at her, took her hands, and offered some very simple advice that cleared all her confusion away:

"Why not do both?" Realization dawned on Rei, and she hugged him and left the next day on a boat heading for Ba Sing Se.

Ami stayed behind for a week, busily healing everyone affected by the last battle. Usagi and even Makoto visited her sometimes, but she was usually too occupied to do more than chat. Once her workload cleared away, she traveled back to the Northern Water Tribe to attend a special funeral for Zoicite. It didn't sit well with her to pay respects to someone who had nearly destroyed her home, but Zoicite had truly been a good person at one point, before being corrupted by Beryl's influence. After the funeral, she announced that she would be committing herself to helping the new Avatar, and received the full blessings from her tribe before leaving.

Makoto stuck around Ba Sing Se for a few days as well, before returning to Omashu with Motoki's retinue. Now that Mamoru would be indisposed for awhile—and, Motoki believed, for all of time—a new Captain of the Tellurians would be required. The day after he returned home, Motoki summoned all his councilors and Generals for a meeting, and invited Makoto to sit in.

"There's no way I'm taking over Mamoru's job," she insisted with a laugh. Motoki feigned being taken aback.

"Oh? Why not? You're definitely qualified."

"Do you really think you could keep me here? I just learned that one of my friends is the Avatar! Of course my place is at her side!" He smiled at her sadly; she realized her error too late, and reddened. "Motoki," she murmured, hanging her head, "you know what I mean."

"I understand," he said quietly. "And you're right: Usagi will need you more than I will. Just don't be a stranger."

"I won't," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with promise. They exchanged a warm gaze for a moment before it was back to business.

"So! Any ideas on who should succeed Captain Chiba? You know, sister, maybe I should host a tournament and give the title to the winner."

"Oh, boo, Motoki!" Unazuki exclaimed, slapping her brother's arm. "Too soon! You should be ashamed of yourself!"

"I know, I'm sorry," he laughed, and his councilors laughed with him. He smiled warmly at the younger woman. "What about you, Zuke? There's no reason a lady can't be Captain of the King's guard. I need someone I can trust implicitly, and you'd fit the bill."

"Ha! As if I'd want to take orders from you! Then again," she purred, pressing her finger to her cheek, "I have always felt like there could be some changes to the guard. Mamoru did a pretty good job, but maybe the king's little sister could do better. I'll give it some thought."

"Thanks, Zuke," he said, smiling proudly.

Finally, the three weeks had concluded, and the scholars came to their decision: nine agreed that Mamoru was in fact the son of King Endymion II, and the rightful ruler of Ba Sing Se, while the tenth remained unsatisfied. He had initially wanted to band with his comrades and give Mamoru his approval, but it was always the duty of one scholar to disagree with the others, especially if their decisions were unanimous. What if they had overlooked a detail, or had been too hasty, or had been biased towards something? There could be no error in their line of work, so someone had to go against the flow just to be certain. The tenth scholar had the unenviable job of explaining his position to Mamoru, and begged for one more week of study. Mamoru accepted his wisdom and permitted him all the time he needed.

Three weeks just wasn't enough time to prepare for his ultimate fate.

By the time the last day had ended, he got his answer, and the Avatar had been reunited with her friends. Good thing, too: the coronation would start in five days.

…...

Mamoru Chiba, now King Endymion III, tried to appear serene for the sake of the people gathered. The coronation itself had taken an entire day: General Nephrite, who had acted as regent alongside several of Beryl's advisors, had the honor of overseeing the event, though the crown itself was placed by the leader of the royal scholars. Mamoru remembered feeling very numb during the ceremony, as if all this were a dream. Even after being confronted with the truth, and studying royal history and lineage in his spare time, it still didn't seem real to him. He knew he would have to take charge now and guide the Earth Kingdom through a tumultuous time, so he tried to appear peaceful, even though the weight of the world was on his shoulders.

Representatives from all over the world were invited to the ceremony, and now, they were attending a gala event to celebrate. Some might have disagreed with the festivities—after all, there were still many who smelled conspiracy and deceit behind the new king's actions, and that of the Avatar. Some believed it was a coup orchestrated by Nephrite, or the scholars, or Motoki, and some even believed Usagi had been behind it all. Her own claims were very hotly debated—after all, she hadn't been born in the Fire Nation, and wasn't a natural fire-bender, or a bender of any sort for that matter. How in the world did she come to inherit this power? What happened to Kalkin? Who was the lady who gave Mamoru the royal signet ring, and where had she found it? There were still too many loose ends, so naturally people felt that a party was in bad taste.

But those who had lived through the events of the last few weeks knew full well that, though there were still many problems to address—and there would always be problems in the world—even the Avatar deserved to have at least one night to relax and have fun. She had earned that ten times over; everyone had. Tomorrow there would be work to do, but for tonight, at least, she could forget it all and enjoy herself. To officially begin the festivities, Motoki called for songs and a dance. Hired musicians struck up a bittersweet love ballad, and the floor was cleared for the two Kings. Motoki approached Usagi first, and bowed.

"Lady Tsukino, may I have the honor of the first dance?" Usagi blushed and was about to accept, but Mamoru nudged his way in, clearing his throat.

"Pardon me, your highness, but for the first time in my life, I must refuse your wishes. I would like the first dance with the lady."

"Is that so? Then, just for tonight, my friend—your majesty—I will grant your request." Motoki beamed at him and gracefully stood aside. Usagi blushed as Mamoru took her in his arms, and the song began:

I can't stop loving you, I've made up my mind

To live in memories of old lonesome times

I can't stop wanting you, it's useless to say

So I'll just live my life in dreams of yesterday

"Hey, so...I gotta warn you, Mamoru: I have no idea what I'm doing here. I may accidentally step on your feet."

"That's all right, my lady. In truth, I don't know how to dance, either."

"Really!" she exclaimed. "Well, this should be interesting!" They laughed together and tried to move and sway with the music; meanwhile Motoki approached his sister.

"Since I am bereft of a dance with the Avatar, kind sister, would you do me the honors?"

"And why should I settle for you, dear brother?" she laughed. "If you think you can rebound with me, then you clearly don't know me." With a wink, she approached Kinsei, leaving King Motoki a wallflower. Minako shook her head at him and blithely walked up to Shingo Tsukino, asking him to dance. He blushed heavily and accepted; Rei sighed to herself.

"Well, someone has to keep the king in good spirits. Never fear, Motoki, I have you covered."

Those happy hours that we once knew

Though long ago still make me blue

They say the time heals the broken heart

But time is stood still since we've been apart

Ami froze in place, feeling utterly lost and terrified. She looked across the room to Makoto, wanting to approach but fearful of making a fool of herself. She reasoned that since she had lost the opportunity to embrace the taller girl back at Kunzite's fortress, then now was the time to make up for it. Ami threw caution to the wind and timidly crept up to Makoto, getting her attention with a meek wave.

"Ah...e-excuse me, M-Makoto, but...ah, w-would you...would you care to dance with m-me?" Makoto stared blankly before blossoming into happiness, her cheery expression lighting up the whole room.

"Sure, why not?" They drifted out onto the floor, Ami exuberant beyond words. Soon everyone was out on the floor, dancing the night away to the slow, soothing, romantic song: Kuni with Iku, Kenji with Ikuko, Kotono with Oboro, Ittou and Lark with Kartti and Salamander; even Ku Sheng and Suo had paired up. It was an evening none of them would forget.

I can't stop loving you, I've made up my mind

To live in memories of old lonesome times

I can't stop wanting you, it's useless to say

So I'll just live my life in dreams of yesterday

"You know," Usagi murmured, resting her head on Mamoru's shoulder, "I don't mind if you call me bun-head every once in awhile."

"Oh, really?" he chuckled. "I'll have to keep that in mind, Avatar bun-head."

"Hey," she chided, pointing a finger at him, "I said every once in awhile, okay? Don't push it."

"Yes, my lady," he replied, giving her a wink. Usagi grinned, and offered a small kiss on his cheek. In spite of their earlier misgivings, Usagi and Mamoru danced together just fine.

Those happy hours that we once knew

Though long ago still make me blue

They say the time heals the broken heart

But time is stood still since we've been apart

I can't stop loving you, I've made up my mind

To live in memories of old lonesome times

I can't stop wanting you, it's useless to say

So I'll just live my life in dreams of yesterday

The End of Book One: Chaos

Author's notes and credits:

This was a journey for me. The whole concept behind it was many years in the making, and went through numerous changes during that time. I had taken a long sabbatical from writing, and didn't think it would ever see the light of day again, but a few failed New Year's resolutions (and one successful one) later, here we are. I've never worked more meticulously on any previous story before, so hopefully that hard work has paid off. All of this from a few pieces of fanart, and the saga's only one book finished out of three.

As always, enormous credit goes out to Naoko Takeuchi and everyone else behind the development of Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon, and credit also goes out to Michael DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and everyone else behind the development of The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. The song "I Can't Stop Loving You" was written by Don Gibson, though I had Ray Charles's cover in mind. I also want to give a quick thank-you to all the bits of popular culture that helped inspire this story. Finally, credit goes to Deviantart user Exiled Chaos for the concept of this story. I don't know if they'll ever come across this, but if they do, hopefully I have done their vision some justice.

And now, a sneak preview of Book Two, which should be nearing completion by the time this chapter is uploaded. While I will say that it won't follow the Sailor Moon R story arc (no Tree of Life or Black Moon gang), it will prominently feature some obscure characters, so stay tuned. Until then, keep fighting for love and justice.

Next time...

"So this is what I missed the dance for? You guys are in for it—and if I break a nail, you're really in for it!"

"I can't explain how, but...I can only bend while I'm in the Avatar State."

"Don't make me do this! Don't make me fight my best friend..."

"Perhaps Wan Shi Tong will have the answers."

"Makoto...I, I'm in love with you."

"I may die, but that does not mean I plan on losing."

"Guys, I'm sorry, but I really feel like I need to do this alone. I can't describe it any better than that."

"You're not the real Avatar! You're just a freak accident! How do I know? Because I'm the real Avatar, and I'm going to kill you!"

"The enemy you are facing now is far greater than anything this world has encountered. To combat it, you must acquire a knowledge and power beyond ours. You must find the one who taught us the ways of bending the world. You must find our Master."

"I refuse to give up on you, no matter what. We will get through this together. I promise."

To be continued in The Celestial Sailors, Book Two: HEART