AN: If you're looking for continuity (lol), this is probably a carryover or tangentially related from Chapter #73, Rule the World, and #86, Angsty April.

"Cross my heart, hope to die
To my lover, I'd never lie
He said "be true", I swear I'll try
In the end, it's him and I
He's out his head, I'm out my mind
We got that love, the crazy kind
I am his and he is mine
In the end, it's him and I, him and I."

Him and I, Halsey

The pair gaze fiercely at those in front of them, keen grey and bright blue eyes review the men and women collected, out of breath, stretched to the end of their strength. Think of them as an enemy, Kunzite had said before they started their terrible journey. A youma you need to destroy.

The cull started overnight. Venus knew the Sword of the Moon was pivotal in their attempt, and the imperative first move of their plan. Guardians of the sacred weapon were dispatched quickly, caught unaware by the leader of the inner senshi.

"It's your right." He told her as they both viewed the sword, glowing silver in its case, reflecting the light of the satellite. The broken glass rang loudly in her ears, but once her hand connected with the sword, she felt her right was divine. After all, who else had the power to take up the weapon? Not even the princess had taken a chance to wield its power.

The next step was to obtain the Ginzuishou. They must disable it and, barring that solution, separate the Queen from its power in some way.

With a quick but wildly fierce embrace, they separate. As they do, Kunzite asks, "Are you sure you can you do it?"

It will be the most difficult thing Venus has done in her life, but if the crown and the universe are to be hers, she must responsible for the blood to be spilled.

Approaching the vast courtyards of the spacious Eastern Wing, Venus thinks of her days of sparring and training, knowing the weak spots of each of the inner senshi. She has always had the benefit of her chain, and is now endowed with the Sword, which provides a protective shield from the attacks. There is no time for questions or accusations. Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter form a tight triangle, and, powered together in creative ways, release a relentless assault but it is Venus who remains defensive, drawing her former sister soldiers away from the castle, taking time and resources away from the Queen.

When Kunzite appears, the action immediately stops. In his hand is the blinding silver light of the jewel, unconnected from the scepter. The impact is immense. Across the great stone courtyard, he makes eye contact with Venus, who catches the gaze of Mercury, the only one of the inner senshi remaining. The injured blue haired soldier stands down, kneeling in front of the pair.

Moving into view, Endymion steps forward, placing himself in front of a sobbing Serenity. Venus tentatively reaches her hand out to the former princess, then lowers it.

The crown and its power were theirs.

Kunzite hands her the sparkling gem, and using the power of the jewel, she summons Pluto. The third part of their plan. If the senshi of Time is surprised, or perhaps, aware that this timeline is currently playing out, there is no response on her tan features.

"You will take them to the place between."

"As you request, your majesties." Pluto bows her head and dips the massive garnet scepter forward. A great doorway appears, surrounded by mist.

Serenity looks as though she might collapse, but Endymion's rage is fierce as he passes on his way towards the portal. "We will find a way back."

Kunzite shakes his head. "You won't."

"Why, brother?"

"Love made you weak," quips the Venusian senshi.

"And what do you share?" asks the prince.

Venus looks across to the silver-haired man. "He is my equal in all things. He does not place me on a pedestal, nor is he a silly romantic. He is my partner, and in him I trust. Your love would have brought ruin to both of our kingdoms. This is how it must be."

AN: Killing your darlings is not fun, friends.