The Journey For Cosmos
Chiba Mamoru stood shirtless, having come from the shower a moment ago. It had been his first real shower in months, having been far from any semblance of civilization. He had been searching high and low for the woman he loved hoping to be able to bring her home. In the end, he failed and now had no choice but to keep moving forward.
"Goodbye, Usako," Mamoru announced as he looked out at the night through the window. The view of the planet Kinmoku's sunset didn't seem much different from the rest of the day. The planet's sun seemed to always bathe everything in a shade of orange. The scene made his heart tense more as it reminded him of the many sunsets he had watched together with Usagi. He could feel the tears forming in the corner of his eyes as found himself unable to turn away from the setting sun.
A knock came at the door, breaking Mamoru from his deep thoughts. He reached up, removed the tears forming in his eyes, and called out, "Come in."
The door opened and Mamoru was greeted with the smiling face of Kou Seiya, his traveling companion. Seiya looked cleaner than the last time Mamoru had seen them, having showered as well, wore something akin to a sundress, and was carrying a bottle. In their female form, Seiya looked like she was ready for a picnic, but Mamoru could tell they were in no mood to celebrate. A sad smile formed on their face as she commented, "Hey, you look better. Thought we could use a drink."
"Yeah, that sounds nice." Mamoru agreed as he took a seat in one of the chairs in the sitting area.
Seiya walked to the small kitchenette in the room, poured the two of them a drink, handed one to Mamoru before taking a seat in a chair on the opposite side of the small table dividing them.
"A toast to...failure I guess," Mamoru announced as he held up his glass. "Only thing I can relate to right now."
"I will definitely drink to that," Seiya agreed after taking a long swig of the drink. "Especially after the meeting I just had."
Mamoru took a sip of his own drink, enjoying the kick it had. He sighed. "I take it the meeting with your family and the princess didn't go well?"
"No, it went as I thought it would. It's just who did what that surprised me," Seiya continued as she leaned back in the chair. "Yaten played the "angry I had to work so hard" card when I thought Taiki would as they usually insist we stay on the straight and narrow. Instead, Taiki pulled the "I'm not mad I'm disappointed" and left the "You failed your duties" speech to the princess herself. Still, someone was angry, someone was disappointed, and someone tried to make me feel guilty for leaving the planet. That's exactly how I figured it would all play out."
"So do you?" Mamoru asked, before taking another sip of his drink. "Feel guilty I mean?"
"Honestly…," Seiya reflected before taking a sip of her drink. "Not in the slightest. I think we both had to experience what we did to finally accept it."
"Yeah...no more denial now," Mamoru confirmed as he looked at the small table between where they were sitting. In its center was a familiar broach. The one Usagi had used to transform into Eternal Sailor Moon. It was the only object they managed to bring back from their quest. "She's gone."
O.O.O
Six Weeks Ago…Planet Kinmoku
"I keep telling you it's not there," Taiki insisted as she sat in her chair and kept her gaze fixed on the monitor in her lab. "I've sent a dozen probes there and I swear the levels have changed since the fight with Galaxia. The entrance to the Galactic Cauldon is no longer at Sagittarius Zero Star."
"What do we do?" Mamoru wondered as he crossed his arms and stared at the screens himself. "How do we get Usagi back?"
"You don't deserve her back," Seiya muttered under her breath as she stood off to the side watching Taiki work. She had been annoyed at Mamoru's arrival at Kinmoku searching for a way to find the Galactic Cauldron and rescue Usagi. It wasn't Mamoru's mission that annoyed Seiya but having to be in the same room as Usagi's boyfriend. Despite discovering the reason Mamoru hadn't been in contact with Usagi was that he was dead (only to be revived through the power of the Cauldron) Seiya found herself clinging to the memories she shared with Usagi. Attending school together, going on their date, and being there for Usagi when the loneliness got to her and she broke down and cried in the rain.
After being revived herself thanks to Usagi being the new steward of the Cauldon, Seiya vowed she would find a way to make Usagi see they were perfect for each other. As soon as she was rescued from the Cauldron. This, unfortunately, meant assisting Mamoru with his search and having to spend more time with him.
"Well I have a lead," Taiki replied as she tapped away at the controls on her computer. When she was done the image of a golden-skinned man appeared on the screen. "Meet Durian of the House of Bowe. A resident of the planet Sirius and thought to be the Universe's foremost authority on the Cauldon. If you want answers about what could have happened to it."
"Where could I find Mr. Durian?" Mamoru asked, not hesitating for a moment. He had vowed to find a way to bring Usagi back to Earth and nothing was going to stop him.
"Well after Sailor Galaxia destroyed Sirius during her rampage he went underground," Taiki explained, tapping more keys on her computer. "However rumor has it he has been showing up at a bar on a small orbital satellite called the Gourmet. Unfortunately, the satellite is on a more lawless side of the Galaxy. One where Sailor Senshi or any type of law and justice are not exactly welcome."
"If you're trying to talk me out of going, you're going to need to try harder than that," Mamoru spelled out, not caring what he had to do or where he had to go. "Give me the coordinates and I'll…"
"Are you insane?" Seiya wondered, clicking her tongue. "This is your first time off your planet and you act like you will just be able to stroll into any place like you're going to the convenience store down the street. You'll get yourself killed without help. I'm coming with you."
"Really?" Mamoru asked, catching his eyebrow. "I didn't know you cared."
"Don't flatter yourself," Seiya groaned, hating even Mamoru's eyes on her. She didn't care if Mamoru lived but Seiya wanted to be the first person Usagi saw when her rescue party arrived at the Galactic Cauldron. A fantasy formed in her mind of Usagi running at her with arms wide open and into a passionate embrace overjoyed to see her again. "I just want to make sure you don't screw this up and Usagi comes home as soon as possible."
"Hold it right there," Taiki growled, standing from her chair pointing at Seiya. "We still have a ton of work to do getting this planet back on its feet after Galaxia's attack. We don't have time for you to go galavanting around the Galaxy. We need you here."
"Just cover for me alright?" Seiya shrugged. "We owe Usagi for helping to save our lives and the Princess'. All we have to do is find where the entrance is and ask Usagi to come home. I'll be back in a week or two at the most."
"Fine," Taiki sighed, rubbing her temples. "Just be careful out there. Both of you."
O.O.O
2 Days Later…The Gourmet
The entire room felt like the cantina scene from Star Wars. Alien races from all over the universe huddled together to drink strange liquids and talk. The scene fascinated Mamoru but it was also a bitter reminder of the last movie he had watched with Usagi before everything went to hell. He shook off the happy memory of falling asleep with Usagi watching a movie, focused, and remembered his mission.
"See our guy?" Mamoru asked, adjusting the hood of his cloak. He wanted to keep a low profile and not get into an altercation.
"Yeah," Seiya replied, pointing towards a table in the corner. The Kinmokunian was in a similar cloak and hood as Mamoru, trying to keep a low profile. "The Siriusian jotting things down in the journal in the corner."
Seiya and Mamoru wadded through the crowded bar and approached the table with their target.
"Durian of the House of Bowe?"Mamoru addressed the man with golden skin and silver hair, wondering what he was jotting down in his weathered book.
"Who's asking?" Durian replied not looking up from his journal.
"Fellow seekers of the Cauldron," Seiya answered, removing her hood.
"You're a Sailor Senshi aren't you?" Durian stated when he finally looked up from the journal. He was unfazed by his discovery but furrowed his brow the more he stared at Seiya. "You got guts coming out in public. Thanks to Galaxia "Sailor Senshi" have become pariahs all over the universe."
"She's not alone," Mamoru corrected, removing his own hood. Upon seeing his face, Durian's eyes became wide in fascination.
"You're a Masked Knight aren't you?" Durian marveled as he gazed at Mamoru's face. Mamoru simply nodded. The look of curiosity faded and was replaced with a sad smile. "My brother was a masked Knight. Losing him to Galaxia prompted me to study the Cauldon so extensively. Take a seat."
Seiya and Mamoru did as instructed. Durian began flipping through the journal in front of him as if he was looking for a particular page.
"Star Seeds born of the Galactic Cauldron give birth to either Sailor Senshi or Masked Knights depending on the native species-specific biology," Durian explained as he continued to flip through the book. "Also birthed from the Cauldon is the exact opposite, the Chaos Seeds which created the agents and bringers of darkness throughout the universe. Stop me if I'm going too fast."
"We know all of this," Mamoru answered, trying to hide the eagerness in his voice. After weeks of searching, he was sure they had found someone to help locate the Cauldron and free Usagi. "We're wondering if you can help us find the entrance."
"Before I answer," Durian snapped, slamming the book shut. "I want to know why. You'll forgive me but the last time a Sailor Senshi wanted to find the Cauldron they had aspirations to gather and destroy every Star Seed in existence."
Mamoru took a deep breath before replying. "We seek an audience with the Cauldron's new keeper."
"Again," Druian replied, keeping a calm tone in his voice. "I wonder…why."
"We knew her…know her," Seiya struggled. "I…we need to see her."
"You knew the new keeper of the Galactic Cauldron?" Durian asked, his eyes wide at this new revelation. He opened the journal and turned to a blank page like he was ready to take notes. "What was she like? Give me details."
"She's…," Mamore began in a solemn tone. "Kind, curious, beautiful. Vulnerable yet the strongest person I think I will ever meet for the rest of my life."
"She's incredible, full of energy," Seiya added. "Someone who deserves better than what she got in life."
Mamoru shot Seiya a glare, recognizing it was a dig at him.
"Deserves better?" Durian asked, taken back by Seiya's claim. "She has become the shepherd to the Star Seeds as they leave the Cauldron and spread out into the universe. An indirect mother to billions on a daily basis. She has achieved the status of a goddess. What could she accomplish that would be better?"
Seiya fell silent but Mamoru held onto the single thread of hope he had left. "We wish to converse with her one last time. The fate of a planet hangs in the balance."
"So you wish to preserve life?" Durian nodded. "My brother would have done the same. I'll help you for a price."
Mamoru didn't hesitate. "Name it."
"I require evidence of the new guardian for my records," Durian explained.
Mamoru reached into his pocket and pulled out the small pile of photos he had kept on him during his travels with Seiya. He had a photo of Usagi and Chibi-Usa together, one with the girls in a selfie, and one of Usagi smiling in her High School uniform holding a bouquet Mamoru had given her to celebrate her accomplishment. He stroked Usagi's cheek in the picture, swallowed the feeling of loneliness in his throat, and handed Durian the picture.
"Incredible. I can sense the light radiating off her," Durian commented as he admired the picture. "I can see why she was chosen to be the guardian of the Caudron."
"We…we wish to speak to her again," Mamoru began., his body tensing as he knew the answer he needed to give. "Even if it's to say farewell."
Seiay gritted her teeth and hissed in a low voice, "Are you insane? We are going to get her back."
"For such a noble cause," Durian replied, as he slipped Usagi's picture into his journal. He either didn't hear Seiya's comment or was ignoring it. "I will help you find the Cauldron. You're in luck. It will be difficult but not nearly as bad as some of the other locations."
"So it's true the entrance moves," Mamoru added, trying to confirm the many rumors they had heard about the Galactic Caldron.
"Yes, the entrance moves regularly. Galaxia used the power of Sapphire Crystal to keep it in place as she worked to gather all of the Star Seeds so she could destroy them altogether," Durian explained as he flipped through the pages of the journal. "Its gateway moves every hour on the hour. I could easily spend the rest of my life documenting and compiling all the locations it would appear."
"So you don't have them all?" Seiya asked to clarify.
"What did I just say, little lady? Listen!" Durian snapped. It was becoming apparent Durian preferred Mamoru's company over Seiya's. "In terms of planets you can navigate and survive to reach the Cauldon it's a shortlist. However, the door will appear on the planet Yakiya in approximately a month."
"Yakiya is a real hell hole," Seiya grumbled to Mamoru. "But we only need to descend to the planet for when the door appears."
"Again, not as easy as you think," Durian insisted as he ripped a blank piece of paper from the journal and began to doodle some coordinates. "I'm well aware Masked Knights and Sailor Senshi have forms to fly through the universe but they only help you fly through empty space. Some atmospheres aren't easy to simply enter like some kind of leisurely walk. As for Yakiya, from what I know of the planet versus the location of the gate… you're looking at a months-long journey across the planet from orbital entry to the designated location."
"A month?" Seiya groaned. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Durian confirmed. "The next actual possibility isn't for five years."
"We can't wait five years," Mamoru acknowledged. The Great Freeze which was supposed to create Crystal Tokyo was only a few years off. They needed Usagi's help to save the Earth. This was their only shot.
"Well good luck," Durian commented as he handed the paper to Mamoru, much to Seiya's annoyance. "You're going to need it."
O.O.O
3 Days Later…Planet Yakiya…
"This palace really is a hell hole," Mamoru commented as he tried to shield his eyes from the weather. Yakiya reminded him of Future Earth after the Black Crystal of Nemesis had taken over. With harsh winds, dark skies, and clammy cold temperatures, the area made his skin crawl.
"Speak for yourself," Seiya grumbled as she rubbed her exposed shoulders. She was in her Sailor Star Fighter form while Mamoru was Tuxedo Mask. "At least your outfit covers more."
"You've got a point," Mamoru agreed. He decided it was best to let Seiya complain instead of trying to fight with her every time she was upset. "So according to the directions, we have to head due west for about…2,000 miles."
"Oh is that all," Seiya sighed heavily. "Whatever. Let's just go. The sooner we go, the sooner we get to Usagi."
The two began their journey across the planet Yakiya. The days consisted of using their powers to leap great distances and the nights consisted of finding a place to make camp to sleep. Thanks to an analysis device Taiki had given them they had discovered wood they could use for a fire. It didn't give off toxic fumes but it did reek of a smell they agreed was reminiscent of "hairy chocolate gasoline." Not exactly a pleasant smell.
What also wasn't pleasant was the conversation they kept. No matter what Mamoru tried to talk about, Seiya only replied in short answers and never tried to expand on the conversation. Mamoru was sure he knew why and one night decided to be blunt.
"You're in love with Usagi?" Mamoru asked as he stoked the fire. The two were no longer in their empowered forms and were trying to conserve energy. "Aren't you?"
"I…I…," Seiya stammered, caught off guard by the question. She shook her head, pulled her sleeping bag around her shoulders, and focused herself. "Yeah, I do love her. Got a problem with that?"
"No, I don't," Mamoru replied, not looking surprised by Seiya's answer. "I could never hate anyone for loving Usako. As Durian mentioned, she radiates light. That is her kindness, sincerity, and her devotion to try and do all she can to help every person she comes into contact with. I have absolutely no problem with anyone falling in love with the incredible person she is…what I have a problem with is how those who do fall for her act on it."
"You don't deserve her," Seiya snapped, staring daggers at Mamoru. "You left and broke her heart."
Mamoru paused before replying, "I know. I know I don't deserve her."
Huh?" Seiya faltered, shocked by what she had just heard. "What?"
"I lost my parents in a car accident," Mamoru began as he cleared his throat. "I willed a little money but not nearly enough to always take care of her or to erase my lack of family in society. So I got into the best school in the world. I had no intention of being away for my entire medical degree. It was just supposed to be enough to get some reputation and then I was going to come home. Two years. Two and a half at the most."
"You left her," Seiya insisted, a firm tone in her voice. "I helped her stay strong after you left. If it wasn't for you, I could have made Usagi happy."
"First off, I was dead," Mamoru replied, making sure to enunciate the word 'dead.' "Second, I'm well aware of everything you did while I wasn't there."
"What?" Seiya was taken aback by this statement.
"I was able to project myself every so often to look in on her," Mamoru explained as he threw more wood on the fire. "I didn't see everything but I did catch the moment in the rain when you asked if you were good enough. A woman is having an emotional breakdown and you choose that moment to make a move?"
"Fuck you!" Seiya shouted. "She was broken-hearted from the loneliness you caused. If she had let me I could have taken away her pain."
"And I believed it," Mamoru countered, looking straight into Seiya's eyes. "I would have let you take care of her if I couldn't find a way back. Unfortunately, you proved to put your own priorities ahead of everything. As soon as you found Princess Kakyuu you were ready to leave the planet. Where would have happened to Usagi then?"
"You don't know what you're talking about," Seiya roared as she turned away and pulled her sleeping bag over her head. She wished she still didn't have the better part of the month with Mamoru ahead of her as she fell asleep.
O.O.O
Two days later, after more time of mostly silence between the two, the uneasy peace was broken by a deafening roar. Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Star Fighter stopped dead in their tracks as they scanned the area desperate to find the source of the bone-chilling sound.
The source of the disturbance was a large beast resembling a cross between a porcupine and a komodo dragon. The menacing creature stared right at Mamoru and Seiya and it was clear it didn't like they had entered the area.
"Don't move," Seiya instructed, staring at the creature. "Most wild beasts won't attack if unprovoked."
"Noted," Mamoru acknowledged. "Let's backtrack and take the long way around."
Before they could find another route the porcupine dragon shot a wave of its spiked quills at them. They jumped out of the way and Seiya went on the counterattack.
"Star Serious Laser!" Seiya shouted, unleashing her attack on the creature. The beam entered through the porcupine dragon's chest and exited out its back. Its body fell to the ground a moment later motionless. Seiya clapped the dust off her hands and shrugged. "Too easy."
The victory was short-lived as multiple roars echoed through the area. Soon four more of the creatures burst from the ground forcing Seiya and Mamoru to stand back to back as they realized they were surrounded.
"I'll take the two in front of me," Mamoru insisted, clenching his fist and reading his attack. "Smoking Bomber!"
"Don't boss me around!" Seiya countered, rushing at the two porcupine dragons in front of her. She leapt into the air just as the pair fired off their quills and Seiya retaliated with a well-placed Star Serious Laser. She landed and prepared to fire at the other when she saw it was gone. She scanned the area but only saw Mamoru fighting off his remaining opponent with his cane. She didn't see where it had gone until it was too late.
Seiya dodged at the last moment but a few of the quills still struck her in the back shoulder. An overwhelming burning sensation traveled through her body in an instant. She tried to maintain consciousness but it was no good. The darkness claimed her.
O.O.O
Seiya awoke to the foul smell of hairy chocolate gasoline. Her sleep had been dreamless and waking up to the terrible odor wasn't helping anything. Her body was heavy and it hurt to move. Her eyes fluttered open and she was greeted by the sight of the campfire.
"Oh good you're awake," Mamoru commented as he squeezed a small cloth to remove excess water. "I was able to heal the injuries but you'll have to endure the effects of the poison while the anti-venom works through your system."
"You…you saved me?" Seiya asked as she looked up at Mamoru. His sleep-filled eyes made it clear to her he hadn't gotten much rest. "How…how long was I out?"
"A day, well 24 hours," Mamoru admitted as he shifted to get comfortable. It was then Seiya realized Mamoru was sitting on his jacket for comfort as both his sleeping bag was on top of Seiya for additional warmth. "Still not sure what an actual day consists of on this hell hole of a planet."
"You should have left me," Seiya snapped, her body tensing in pain at the sudden movement. "The delay might make us miss the window to get to the Cauldron."
"Maybe," Mamoru shrugged, suppressing a yawn. He shook his head trying to shake off the urge to sleep. "But if I lost anyone on this little rescue mission Usagi would never forgive herself."
"But I…," Seiya stopped herself as she felt the words forming. If she kept speaking she knew she would have said, 'I would have left you.' Instead, she swallowed the terrible thought and felt it get lost in the faint burning sensation the poison was inflicting on her body. "God…I've been a bitch."
"Your words, not mine," Mamoru chuckled as she reached into his pocket and pulled out a small object. "Try to go back to sleep. We leave in six hours, even if I have to carry you."
"Is that…" Seiya began as she looked at what Mamoru was holding.
"Earbuds," Mamoru confirmed before pulling out his iPod. "My device still has a little juice left in it. Thought some music could help me relax."
"Would you umm…" Seiya wondered, desperate for anything to abstract her from how miserable her body felt. "Would you mind sharing with me?"
"Alright but you can't complain about what I pick," Mamoru chuckled, browsing through the device. "I find Styx to be calming during times like this. Do you mind?"
"Actually I love Styx," Seiya admitted as she felt Mamoru put the earbud into one of her ears. "Do you have Show Me The Way? It's my favorite?"
"Really? Me too," Mamoru replied with a big smile. "And here I thought we'd never agree on anything other than Usagi has an adorable butt."
"She does have a cute butt doesn't she," Seiya commented as she let her eyelids close and got lost in the music. She began to hum as the song started to play. "Every night I say a prayer in hopes that there's a heaven…"
O.O.O
"So let me get this straight," Seiya began as munched on her dinner. It had been a few days since the night Mamoru had nursed her back to health and the tension between them was now non-existent. "That little pink-haired girl in the picture with you and Usagi is your daughter from the future and in that future, you're the King of the planet?"
"Yeah, at least in one timeline," Mamoru confirmed, a half-smile on his face. Seiya's change in demeanor had not been lost on him. "Usagi and I become the leaders of the Earth after repelling a great threat. Without Usagi's help, there is no telling what will happen. The Earth needs her."
"What about you?" Seiya wondered, arching her eyebrow. Mamoru had been so stoic the entire trip and Seiya had been less than open about trying to talk with him about how he felt about Usagi. "Do you need her?"
"I need her more than I need air in my lungs," Mamoru replied. "I feel like a giant hole is in my chest from where we lost her and my inner pessimist is poking at it like it's an open wound. It won't let it heal or allow a little bit of hope to get through to encourage me we may succeed."
"Then how could you leave her?" Seiya wondered, but immediately felt bad pushing the question.
"I told you I wanted to make something of myself so I could give her the world. Even if I wasn't the King," Mamoru explained. "And I thought after dealing with our kid from the future, several world-ending threats, and me getting brainwashed by our enemies only to be saved by the power of the love in her heart, I thought our relationship would survive some long distance. Especially after I proposed to her."
"Yeah, I suppose," Seiya acknowledged, fighting a sigh. Since she had decided to give Mamoru the benefit of the doubt Seiya recognized her intent wouldn't have been better. In fact, they looked much worse. If she had convinced Usagi to leave Mamoru, Seiya herself would be asking Usagi to engage in a long-distance relationship until a time when it was possible for her to leave Princess Kakyuu's service. Worse, instead of simply being on the other side of the planet, Seiya would have been a galaxy away expecting Usagi to wait for her return. The clearer this became to her, the more she realized Mamoru didn't deserve all the hate Seiya had been directing at him. "So..um…the kid from the future…it meant…"
"It meant we eventually got married," Mamoru answered, a satisfied smile on his face. "Meaning I did help Usagi achieve her dream of being a bride."
"But I mean kids happen because," Seiya stammered shocked she was becoming so flustered over such a discussion. "It meant the two of you would have had to have been…physical…"
"Yes, that's how children do come about," Mamoru chuckled, not sure Seiya was going with this conversation. "When a mommy and a daddy love each other very much…"
"I know! I know that!" Seiya snapped, her cheeks becoming red with embarrassment. She tried to shake it off but the smug smile on Mamoru's face made her heart skip a beat. She couldn't believe Mamoru got her so flustered so easily. She wondered if this is what caused Usagi to fall in love with him. "Mating is similar for most humanoids around the universe. But I mean..you and her…what was it like?"
Mamoru paused for a moment before he spoke.
"A gentleman does not discuss such things," Mamoru commented, clearing his throat as he put another piece of weird-smelling wood on the fire and stoked it. "But I will say this much. Being alone most of my life, I've felt on edge and on guard on a daily basis. Being with Usako gave me a feeling of absolute peace I can't even describe. It's the kind of sensation men have fought wars and searched the ends of the world to obtain. Also, she had this way of letting her hair down from the Odango in the blink of an eye that made my heart skip a beat."
"Incredible," Seiya whispered, finding Mamoru's description of being with Usagi to be beyond captivating. She could feel the love Mamoru had for Usagi as he spoke. It was overwhelming but Seiya wanted to hear more. As she was about to push the issue, she saw a hard longing look appear in Mamoru's eyes and decided it was better to change the subject. "Well don't worry. We'll get her back."
"I know…" Mamoru sighed, keeping his attention on the fire. "No matter what happens. You have to get Usagi out of the Cauldron and back to Earth."
"Me?" Seiya wondered, arching an eyebrow. "You mean us. We'll bring her back together, right?"
"Yeah…I…I just misspoke," Mamoru insisted, softly. He kept staring at the fire and Seiya could see a look of exhaustion in his eyes. Seiya didn't press the issue, simply pulling her sleeping bag around her body as she lay on the ground, and tried to fall asleep.
O.O.O
"There's the location," Mamoru announced as he stared through the binoculars before handing them to Seiya. "We made it just in time. It will appear in an hour. Once it's open we need to rush through just in case it only stays open for a random amount of time."
"Good call," Seiya confirmed as she looked through the binoculars and saw their destination. It was at the top of a mountain they could easily scale in their magical forms in no time flat. "We'll get in, rescue our little Odango-atama, take a power nap to recharge, and fly back to Kinmoku in time for dinner tomorrow night."
"Once we get there," Mamoru began, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I want you to make sure you get Usagi out no matter what happens."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Seiya asked. "You keep doing this cryptic shit and I really have no idea what you're talking about. Why are you acting like this will be your final battle? There won't be any enemies inside. Usagi wouldn't let such evil exist around the Star Seeds."
"It's not that," Mamoru sighed, looking at Seiya with a half-smile. "Do you remember Chibi-Chibi? That little child was the spirit of the last person who took up the mantle of the Guardian of the Cauldron. It was what Durian was talking about. The Cauldron needs someone to watch over it and guard the vulnerable Star Seeds and keep the Chaos seeds out to maintain balance."
Seiya didn't reply. She didn't dare interrupt someone who was being so serious.
"I'm going to take up the mantle," Mamoru stated, with no uncertainty in his voice. "The cauldron will let Usagi go and you'll make sure she gets home."
"What?" Seiya gasped in shock. "What are you saying?"
"The Cauldron needs a guardian," Mamoru repeated, keeping his eyes focused. "Otherwise darkness will take over the universe."
"And you're just going to throw your life away? Just like that?" Seiya wondered, her voice rising in frustration. "Have you thought for one second about everyone you know back on Earth? Or how Usagi will feel without you?"
"There is no one waiting for me on Earth," Mamoru snapped, clenching his fists. "And the world, no, the entire universe needs Tsukino Usagi to be a part of it and help it to flourish."
"But weren't you going to be a king?" Seiya reminded him. "You're supposed to bring your planet to an age of prosperity!"
"Such a world needs Usagi in it to help it flourish," Mamoru admitted. "I'm…unnecessary."
"No…you…," Seiya was stopped by a sound similar to the crashing of thunder. A second later the area was illuminated with a blinding white light. When the brightness faded and the pair could see clearly, they were able to witness two stone pillars united by a decorative archway in the middle. By the structure's sudden appearance and the intense energy radiating off it, there was no mistaking this was the entrance to the Galactic Cauldron.
"Shit!" Mamoru cursed as he stopped shielding his eyes from the entrance's dynamic arrival. "The calculations were off. It's here early! We got to move!"
Seiya and Mamoru transformed and took off in a sprint towards the entrance. The pair moved as fast as their legs could carry them. Both were afraid the entrance would be gone in the blink of an eye and the entire quest would be for nothing. After some well-placed leaps, the pair barrelled into the pure white energy suspended under the archway and were immediately teleported away.
O.O.O
"Where are we?" Seiya asked as she looked around the area. The entire place was made up of pristine white untouched marble. It was quiet and serene but every part of it radiated with intense energy.
"I think this is the Cauldron but I don't see any markers or even a way to tell left from right," Mamoru answers, scanning the area with intent. "Usako! Where are you Usako?!"
"Odango! Come on out!" Seiya called out. "This is no time for hide-and-seek."
In response to their calls, one of the squares of marble rose from the ground, stopped a few meters up, and opened to reveal the Eternal Moon Article.
"Usako's brooch," Mamoru acknowledged, picking up the small item and examining it. A disheartened expression formed on her face. "Something's wrong. I don't feel any connection to Usagi when I hold this."
"What does it mean?" Seiya wondered.
"Take it," A voice echoed from all around the area. "And use it to save the Earth."
"Usako!" Mamoru called out, turning his head everywhere trying to find her. "Come with us! Please!"
The clicking of shoes on the marble floor made the pair turn towards the sound. Materlizating from the vast void of nothing was the familiar yet different form of Tsukino Usagi. She looked similar to how she did as Sailor Moon but her hair and outfit had been altered. In her hand was a staff with orbs decorating it.
"Odango," Seiya commented with a smile on her face when she saw Usagi. "You're alright. Thank the heavens you are alive! We've come to take you home."
"I cannot return to the Earth," Sailor Cosmos replied with an emotionless tone. "I must stay here and protect all these newborn stars so they are able to travel across the universe and give life to all."
"Usako…," Mamoru groaned, his heartbreaking with every word from his beloved's mouth. Her eyes no longer held the kind look of the woman he loved but were filled with a cold determination he had never seen before. "Oh Galactic Cauldron, source of all life in the universe! I beg of you, make me your vessel. I will carry on as shepherd and protector of your precious seeds. All I ask is that you release Sailor Cosmos from her duty and allow her to have her freedom!"
Silence followed Mamoru's request and an uneasy hush spread through the area.
"It is no good," Sailor Cosmos spoke up, breaking the tranquility. "Only the previous guardian of the Cauldron can choose the successor and I choose not to relinquish this power."
"Usako..," Mamoru began. "I am begging you on all I know to be holy, remember our love, the future we are supposed to have together, your friends, your family…ANYTHING! Return to being the innocent and kind individual you used to be."
"I am sorry…Mamo-chan…but I must stay," Sailor Cosmos announced before picking up her staff and slamming it on the ground. In response, the Galactic Cauldron hurled an intense blast of wind at Seiya and Mamoru. The pair were barely able to hold their ground as the area responded to its mistress. "You on the other hand must leave. Return to where you belong and find happiness."
"Usagi!" Seiya yelled as she shielded her eyes from the overwhelming air pressure. She looked from Sailor Cosmos to Mamoru who was pushing forward against the rushing air. With every step, his body flinched like he had been punched in the gut. "Mamoru stop! You'll kill yourself."
"She's right there!" Mamoru yelled, pressing forward keeping his hand high to shield his eyes while the other clenched the Eternal Moon Article for dear life. With every defiant step the more the pressure pushed against him. "I can reach her!"
"Stop! Please!" Seiya begged as Sailor Cosmos tapped her staff on the ground again. In response, a portal opened behind where Seiya was standing. It was obvious this was to be their exit. Seiya turned back to Mamoru in time to see the wind pressure slice Mamoru's leg causing him to drop to the ground in pain. Unable to see her companion suffer anymore, Seiya sprinted towards Mamoru and grabbed his arm. "She's lost. We have to go!"
"No! We can't…" Mamoru protested, trying to regain his footing. Just as Seiya helped Mamoru to stand up, one last maelstrom of magical wind slammed into the both of them and carried the pair through the portal and away from the Galactic Cauldron.
"Goodbye…my love," Sailor Cosmos whispered to no one as she tapped her staff on the ground and closed the portal. Alone again, no one saw the single tear run down her cheek as the last bit of the woman who was Tsukino Usagi managed to react to dismissing her soulmate from the area.
O.O.O
Seiya woke up to find Mamoru next to her. She scanned the area and realized exactly where they were. "She sent us to Kinmoku."
Seiya turned to Mamoru and shook him awake. "Mamoru! Wake up."
Mamoru's eyes fluttered open. He looked from Seiya to the brooch in his hand. He shut his eyes, trying to fight the tears from falling. Instead, he opened his mouth and emitted the most soul-crushing bellow of frustration and pain Seiya had ever had in her entire life. Unable to stand hearing him suffer so much, Seiya wrapped her arms around Mamoru and cradled him until the roar stopped and was replaced by bitter tears of regret the pair shed together.
O.O.O
Now...
A surprisingly comfortable silence had formed between the pair as they sat sipping their drinks and looking at the consolation prize they received for all of their efforts. Seiya spoke up first. "I really did hate you. I mean to the point there were a few times I wanted to smother you in your sleep."
"I picked up on it but didn't say anything," Mamoru acknowledged. "You were helping to navigate me around the universe. But I'm curious, did that feeling go away? I'm terrible when it comes to reading people unless I use my psychometry on them."
"Yeah, it did actually," Seiya admitted, smiling earnestly at Mamoru. "You saved me from that Youma when I would have left you for dead. You...you saved me, delayed your search, and nursed me back to health. It was then I realized...you are the better person and you do deserve to be with Odango."
"I never deserved her," Mamoru disagreed, taking another sip of his beverage. "She was a goddess among mortals. Fate has made sure to spell that out to me."
Seiya tried to think of words of encouragement to change Mamoru's mind but nothing came to her. "What will you do now?
Mamoru looked at his glass, then at the night's sky coming in through the window. "Return to Earth, see if I can find a way with Setsuna and Ami to prevent the global freeze from coming despite not having Usako's power to help."
Seiya coughed. "I was more asking what will you do personally? I mean if you do save the world from the freeze you'll be a King right? Kings need Queens to rule with them. It's better for their image."
"I suppose so," Mamoru shrugged. "Guess I'll try a dating app. Should I mention my former fiance left me so she could become a goddess and save all life in the universe in the profile or…"
"Easy their tiger," Seiya chuckled, recognizing Mamoru was joking. "That's a fourth date conversation at the earliest. You don't want to scare someone off."
"Right," Mamoru laughed at the bad joke. "...I don't know really."
A moment of silence passed before Seiya spoke. "Can I suggest something?"
"Sure why not," Mamoru shrugged again, finishing his drink. "One more glass of whatever this is and I'll agree to anything."
"You have suffered more than many men could ever dream of in the pursuit of love," Seiya announced after finishing their drink and giving Mamoru a very reassuring smile. "So I'm going to make things as simple as I can for you. My room is at the end of the hall, the door will be unlocked, I will be in my female form, and I like to sleep naked. The ball is in your court."
"Seiya...I," Mamoru tried to continue but found himself flabbergasted.
"Please, I'm just laying something out," Seiya stated, holding up a hand in hopes of stopping Mamoru from saying any more. "I'll leave. If you don't come we'll forget this ever happened and blame the booze. If you come and need to work out some aggression, let's say the safe word is "apples." So that being said, I'll take my leave before I say anything else…"
Pulling her dress up as she stood, Seiya made sure Mamoru got a good look at her legs as she made her way out of the room. As the door closed and he was left alone with his thoughts Mamoru raked his fingers through his hair and groaned. He was a torrent of different feelings all crashing together at once. Loneliness, anger, and want. He hadn't been able to relieve himself in weeks, forced to find moments where he was alone to relieve pressure by thinking about his passionate times with Usagi. He also longed to feel the touch of his beloved but the brooch on the table reminded him this would never come to pass again. She was gone.
Seiya was no longer the harsh and vindictive individual who first accompanied him on the journey. She had softened and the two of them had become friends. He had deliberately ignored the physical attraction he felt when she first walked in wearing her simple dress but he couldn't ignore it any further.
Mamoru was left with only two options. Either go into Seiya's room and seek the comfort of another individual or head to the bathroom and take a cold shower to suppress the passion starting to burn deep inside.
O.O.O
Seiya lay in her bed covering her eyes with her elbow wrapped only in a sheet. She had stripped out of her dress as soon as she came into the room and hidden under the covers. Unfortunately, after a few minutes passed she started to fill with regret over her actions.
"Why did I say that?" Seiya mused as she felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment over what she had just done. "Why did you say that? Idiot!"
She knew exactly why she said it. She wanted Mamoru. She wanted to at least have one night with the strong, compassionate man she had journeyed with for over a month before he went back to Earth where an entire group of gorgeous Sailor Senshi was waiting for him. Though Seiya knew they were loyal to Usagi, she couldn't help but question how long such devotion would last. A kind, compassionate man who carried the world on his shoulders with a smug smile that made you so aggravated you wanted to kiss him and wipe the smile off his face.
Just as she felt like her stomach would burst from worry over the wait, Seiya heard the sound of the door opening. She looked up to see Mamoru walk into the room. With a small smile on his face. Seiya kept the sheet held to her chest as she could feel her own smile slowly forming.
"Just to warn you," Mamoru began as he stood a few steps away looking down at Seiya. "I might call out her name."
"Go down on me good enough," Seiya answered, standing up and keeping the sheet covering the front of her body. "And I'll do the same."
The pair stood in front of each other. Only a sheet and a pair of pants separated the two. Mamoru reached up and placed his hands on Seiya's shoulders. Pulling her forward, the two met in a soft gentle, uncertain kiss. The hesitation left in an instant as the passion between them grew. Seiya released the sheet covering her body and wrapped her arms around Mamoru's neck. She wanted him close.
With swift precision but without breaking the kiss, Mamoru reached down, picked up Seiya and carried her bridal style close to the bed. Breaking the kiss, Mamoru smiled and admired Seiya's body.
"You're beautiful," Mamoru whispered, complimenting the naked beauty in his arms. "Why do you try so hard to cover yourself?"
"So I can have this kind of effect on others," Seiya replied, leaning in to nibble on Mamoru's ear. She could feel her cocky attitude returning but worried it would falter with one well-placed smirk from the man holding her. "Be gentle. It's my first time with a man."
"I'll do my best but," Mamoru stopped before playfully tossing Seiya on the bed. "Given you gave me a safe word I can't help but wonder if you don't want me to be rough."
"Something tells me I won't have to draw you a picture of what I like," Seiya smirked, as she watched Mamoru crawl on the bed towards her. As the man from Earth hovered over her on his hands and knees, Seiya reacted by licking her dry lips in anticipation of what was coming next. "Still…this is new for me."
"I will be gentle unless you tell me otherwise," Mamoru breathed into Seiya's ear causing goosebumps to form all over her body. The goosebumps remained constant as Mamoru began showering Seiya's neck and collarbone with kisses. Seiya's body tensed up as electricity spread through her entire being as Mamoru took a nipple into his mouth. A mixture of sucking, licking, and nibbling on the hardened nub caused Seiya's fists to gather bedsheets in response.
"Damn he's good," Seiya thought to herself. Part of her believed he would be awkward in bed. The cynical side of her who harbored some resentment for him had attributed Usagi's departure. Now as Mamoru kissed down her stomach, causing her to giggle as he planted one on a ticklish spot on her side, she found herself asking different questions. "She left someone who could do this in bed?"
Seiya was briefly startled as Mamoru threw her legs over his shoulders and buried his face in her flower. Her previous experience in bed had not prepared her for what came next. Before the attack on Kinmoku by Sailor Galaxia, a new attendant at the castle and Seiya had engaged in playful banter and flirting which eventually led to the two of them having a one-night stand. The attendant was inexperienced and their evening had been awkward yet enjoyable. Mamoru was not inexperienced and instead had Seiya's eyes rolling back in her head within moments of coming into contact with her womanhood. His tongue moved so erratically yet with so much skill, it kept Seiya's toes curling the entire time.
"Oh fuck," Seiya moaned as she thrashed on the pillow. Mamoru, having found her pearl, nursed it to harden with his tongue only to tease it with his teeth after. "Please…don't…stop…"
Mamoru honored the request and kept up the oral stimulation. He slid a finger into Seiya's moist flower as his mouth kept its attention on Seiya's clit. As Seiya's nectar continued to flow, Mamoru added a second finger and increased his speed. The increase in pressure was enough to push Seiya over the edge.
"Oh fuck!" Seiya screamed as she achieved orgasm. She reached down, grabbed Mamoru by the hair, and made sure he didn't stop giving her clit the attention she desperately needed to ride the climax to its fullest. As she came down from cloud nine, she raised her head enough to watch Mamoru pull out his two fingers and pop them into his mouth with a look of satisfaction on his face. "Damn. Where'd you learn to do that?"
"Not all those books I read are textbooks," Mamoru snickered as he noticed how out of breath Seiya appeared. "Also I obviously could have done better. After all, you didn't call out her name."
"You think I'm done just because you managed to make me cum?" Seiya asked, getting to her knees despite her heavy breathing. She tackled Mamoru onto the bed and began to kiss him deeply. Before he had time to react Seiya straddled Mamoru's legs and began to undo his pants. With a swift motion, Seiya pulled Mamoru's pants off his body before reaching up for his boxers. Another quick tug and the boxers were past his knees and his manhood was on display. "Holy shit. That's big."
"Thank you," Mamoru replied, wearing the smug smile that made Seiay's face blush. "Is it too much for you?"
"I can manage," Seiya insisted as she straddled Mamoru's crotch. She reached down and lined his member up with her entrance. Slowly she sank herself onto his hard cock taking the time to get used to the size. The thickness was incredible and filled her better than any of her toys ever could. "Fuck…that…does feel nice…"
"Go slowly," Mamoru suggested, reaching up and grabbing Seiya by her hips. "Take it slowly. There is no rush."
"I can take it," Seiya howled as she began a gentle rhythm up and down Mamoru's manhood. It started slow but Seiya quickly got used to the sensation and began to increase her speed. Soon she was bouncing up and down on the hard cock inside of her.
"Damn it," Mamoru hissed, through clenched teeth. Seiya was tight and it reminded him of taking Usagi's virginity. No. He wouldn't let the memory of his lost love taint the experience. Instead, he closed his eyes and focused on the tightness of Seiya's soaking wet core. "You feel great."
"You feel good too," Seiya huffed between breaths. Desperate for more stimulation she reached up and pinched her nibbles as she kept up her pace. The feeling helped but made her want more. "Spank me!"
Mamoru didn't question the request. Instead, he reached up and delivered an open hand smack on Seiya's bottom. The act caused Seiya to yelp in excitement as she increased her speed and rode Mamoru harder. The room filled with grunts and moans as the pair worked together to help each other climax.
"I want more," Seiya whined as she bent forward and sank her teeth into Mamoru's shoulder. Not enough to draw blood but just enough to show she wanted the session to be harder. "Fuck me harder!"
"Fine!" Mamoru bellowed. In the blink of an eye, Mamoru threw Seiya off, turned her over, and lined up his cock to her entrance from behind. Mamoru sank into her, grabbed her hips, and began to pound into her. The bed shook with each thrust of Mamoru's hips. "You like that?"
"Oh, g-god!" Seiya babbled as she could feel her eyes rolling back into her head. Her hands once again gathered fistfuls of the sheet. The new angle hit so deep inside of her she couldn't describe the overwhelming sensation. As she worked to keep herself propped up on her arms and knees, she could feel herself on the verge of another orgasm and just needed a slight push over the edge. "Pull my hair! Pull my damn hair!"
"Fuck!" Mamoru seethed as he grabbed Seiya's ponytail and tugged on it. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears and could feel Seiya's wetness increase as he pulled her hair. One hand tugged her hair like a leash while the other held tighter to Seiya's thin side. The feeling of domination and pleasure was intense and Mamoru knew he could not last much longer. "I'm gonna cum!"
"Inside! Please give it to me inside!" Seiya begged, feeling her orgasm slam into her again. The second one was even more intense than the first and it made her dizzy with pleasure. She never wanted it to end. "Paint me white with your cream!"
"Take it! AHH!" Mamoru roared as he kept slamming into Seiya with all his worth. It took only a few more strokes for him to reach his limit as well. He released his seed inside of Seiya, holding her in place as he rode the wave of ecstasy down from its peak. He began to breathe heavily trying to make his heart slow down. "Oh…oh…fuck…"
"Yeah…," Seiya panted as well. She gave in to the feeling of exhaustion taking hold of her and fell face-first onto the bed. She felt Mamoru's deflating cock slip from her womanhood and part of her wanted him to enter her again. "Damn…that was…."
"Yeah…yeah, it was," Mamoru replied, unable to form into words what he had just experienced. Fighting his own feeling of exhaustion, Mamoru got off the bed with shaking legs and reached the sheet Seiya had covered herself with previously. He laid back on the bed and wrapped the two of them in the thin material. "Don't leave me. Not tonight."
"It's my room," Seiya reminded Mamoru as she turned on her side away from Mamoru. "But I was about to ask you to do the same."
Mamoru wrapped his arm around Seiya's body and whispered into her ear. "What do we do now? I mean…was that…"
"Just sleep for now," Seiya replied, closing her eyes but wrapping her hand around Mamoru's arm. She smiled as she enjoyed the feeling of him holding her tight. "Turn off your big brain. We'll figure out what happens next over breakfast."
Mamoru nodded. He kept his protective hold on Seiya as he buried his nose in her hair, getting lost in its pleasant smell. For the first time since Usagi had left, Mamoru got a peaceful night's sleep.
O.O.O
The Distant Future…
"Queen Starlight. It's time to wake up."
"Hmm," Seiya grumbled as her eyes fluttered awake. She was greeted by the sight of Minako as Sailor Venus gently shook her shoulder. She looked around and found she had fallen asleep in a rocking chair. "Oh thank you, Mina-chan. I guess I fell asleep."
"You're not the only one," Minako whispered to her as she looked over at the crib next to them. "The story you were telling put the little ones to sleep."
Seiya stood from the rocking chair and looked down into the crib. Her beautiful baby twins, Hikaru and Akari, were fast asleep. Seiya flashed the pair a smile before she turned to Minako.
"Is it wrong that we took this path?" Seiya asked as the pair made their way out of the nursery. "That I came back to Earth and became the Queen of the planet."
"Never feel bad for what happened," Minako insisted, reaching up affectionately squeezing Seiya's shoulder. "You did what no one else could do. You found a way to heal the hole in Mamoru's heart. You two deserve all the happiness in the world. You managed to create Crystal Tokyo and two of you helped to save the entire planet."
"I know," Seiya admitted with a sigh. "Still I can't help but think about Usagi and…"
"We all miss her but," Minako began, a sad smile on her face. "Usagi has her own important job to do guarding the Galactic Cauldron. I know she would be happy to know you were able to take care of everything in her place."
"I suppose," Seiya agreed. "Still, after all this time, if she came back and wanted to take Mamoru away…I think at this point we'd exchange some words."
"Well if she does ever come back just invite her to a threeway," Minako snickered, playfully jabbing the Queen in the ribs with her elbow. "Now come on. It's time for lunch. Let's go find your husband and get something to eat."
O.O.O
A/N: This really started out as me exploring the possibility of Usagi remaining Sailor Cosmos and Mamoru moving on without having her in his life. I originally thought I might do some other pairings with Mamoru being comforted by the other Senshi. Instead, the one to come to the realization first was one with Mamoru and Seiya getting together. This also comes from the belief many have that if Seiya ever got to know Mamoru they'd develop a crush on them too. It was also inspired by this picture ( p/sK8sBlMcR9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link). Hence the result. Also if anyone has a link to a better quality picture let me know.
Probably should do a Mamoru x Usagi piece again soon. Or maybe I already am for another themed month coming soon. Wait and see.
Reviews are love and keep me writing. Thanks to Reispinkoveralls for Beta-ing this one.