Sailor Moon - Rise of the Exalted Knights
by Lisseas
Chapter Thirty-One: Selene Speaks; Usagi's Re-Awakening
Posted: 09/02/2019
"Broken. Just…like…you."
Smug and self-assured, Chaos drifted towards the Inner Senshi. It seemed to delight in the suspense, in making them wait; scanning over them with crimson eyes. Finally, it settled on Mars. Slowly, insidiously, it crouched above her, took hold of her throat…and began to squeeze. The miko struggled, kicking out with her good leg in a futile attempt at escape. She clawed frantically at its hands, coughing and wheezing as she gasped for air.
"No…" Sailor Moon reached out, desperate to save her friend, but she was just too weak. Too far away. The chamber faded, darkness encroaching as her conscious mind gave out. The crystal throne, the rest of her friends; everything melted away into a deep, impenetrable darkness...all but a tiny speck of light. It faded into view, growing slowly in size and brilliance until it enveloped her completely. There she lay, adrift in a void of pure, blinding white, contemplating her own existence. Was this death? It had to be. She had finally died for good, and everyone she loved would soon follow. All because she'd failed.
Oh, Serenity...
The voice came from everywhere and nowhere; intimately familiar despite her never having heard it before. The faintest of whispers, ethereal like the wind and yet somehow right by her ear. A woman's voice; warm and soothing.
Have you learned so little from your time as Sailor Moon?
She appeared before her, tall and slender, a simple white dress hanging from her shoulders. Usagi blinked and rubbed her eyes, trying to bring them to focus. Whoever she was, she had beautiful pale skin and long silver hair in a very familiar style; two immaculate buns atop long, winding ponytails that trailed in her wake. Almost like...
"Mother...?"
"No, child. I am far older than her. Eternal, some might say."
At last, Usagi began to realise who this was. "Selene." The goddess herself that Pluto often invoked. A goddess that - to this point - had appeared only to Corey...or, at least, so he claimed. "Why now, when it's already too late? Why not speak to me before all of this?"
"Were you ready to hear me before now?" the goddess countered, unapologetic.
"I…I don't-" Her frustration quickly gave way to anger. "Wait a minute. You appeared to Corey. Three times!"
"I did, yes...but only after he was ready to truly hear me."
It occurred to Usagi to stand, but it seemed she already was. How strange. "Wait. My friends! Are they...?"
Selene's calm mask fell. "They live for now, but that will change. Chaos intends to end them all. You must regain your confidence, and quickly."
"But I did!" she protested. "I have! I gave it everything I had, and it still wasn't enough!"
"Indeed. I suggest you find more to give."
"Corey was right," Usagi muttered, "You really do speak in riddles."
"Perhaps. I help in what small ways I can. Sometimes, that requires riddles." Selene sank slowly onto a beautifully carved wooden bench that - from Usagi's perspective - had only just appeared. "You have walked a long and winding road to get here. Even yesterday, you would not have been able to hear me at all...but I sense you are finally willing to listen, and to understand."
"What do I need to understand? Chaos is too strong this time. It's beaten us at every turn. It spent more than a thousand years growing its power and laying traps for me!"
"The what is simple, child." Selene patted the bench beside her in a clear invitation. "The Silver Crystal. You fail to understand its true power even now."
Usagi sat reluctantly, grumbling over folded arms. "What power? It gave out every time I tried to use it."
"The Crystal did not give out. You did. You gave up."
"I did not!" she snapped, practically incensed. "I put everything I had into that stupid thing! I gave every last bit of my energy, to the point of passing out!"
"And therein lies the heart of your misunderstanding." Infuriatingly calm, Selene made it difficult to stay angry. "The Silver Crystal's power comes from love, yes, but also the belief in that love...and oneself. You doubt, therefore the Crystal doubts. You fear the future, and the Crystal fears it with you."
It can't really be that simple, can it? Usagi stared at her boots, considering the facts. Do I still doubt myself after all? Is that why I lost? Another question arose, fairly simple to her mind. "But...that future is terrifying. Bringing about Crystal Tokyo and ruling it as Queen? What if I'm not strong enough? What if I make a mistake and fail, like..." Like my mother.
"With your power combined, united as one, you are nigh invincible...but it must be a true, uncompromising union. The Silver Crystal and its Bearer, acting as a single mind. A single heart." Selene paused a moment, stroking her chin. "I think, perhaps, another voice might prove more helpful at this moment."
She gestured, and the air before them began to shimmer. In a burst of silver starlight, Queen Serenity herself faded into view. She inhaled deeply, as if for the first time, then locked eyes with Usagi. A moment passed in silence before she flashed a tearful smile and opened her arms wide. Usagi didn't hesitate, practically leaping from the bench and into her embrace. It was surprisingly solid in this, their first chance for such a meeting since she'd learned of her past. It was amazing.
"Mother! Are you...is this real?"
"Yes, my darling Serenity. I'm very real, I assure you." Identical in every way to Usagi's most vivid memories, the silver-haired monarch pulled back to look her over. "You've grown so much. I never imagined I'd ever get to look upon you with my own eyes again. Not after-"
Usagi silenced her with another tight embrace, savouring the contact. It couldn't last forever, though, and she finally relented, remembering the whole point of this reunion. "How did you do it, Mother? How did you handle the pressure of being Queen?"
"Some would say I didn't." There was no need to specify who; Usagi could guess. "I won't lie to you, my dear. Taking the throne is one thing, but ruling fairly and effectively is no simple task. You must learn from my mistakes, or be doomed to repeat them." An undercurrent of shame crept into her voice. "I became paralysed by fear; justified countless terrible decisions, even indecision itself, and all for the stated purpose of saving my Kingdom. A series of choices that led to our destruction all the same." Her bitterness began to fade, a beatific smile shining through. "But you are not me. In many ways, you have already surpassed me. You just have to believe it."
"Chaos has never been able to stand against the power of love," Selene continued, rising gracefully. "Love is its complete and utter antithesis. That is why it sought to guide you down darker paths. In truth, Usagi, the sliver of it growing inside you is as real as any borne by the Order of Black's Paladins."
"But how...?"
"You said it yourself: it plotted and schemed for over a thousand years. Its foresight spans most of your lifetime. Do you really think it impossible such a creature could reach you if it wanted to?"
"That...makes sense."
Selene straightened her dress with an air of expectancy. "Well, then. What say you? Are you ready to return to your friends?"
One very specific doubt remained. "If I can reestablish my connection to the Silver Crystal, can I...can I save everyone? Can I bring back all the people Chaos has murdered?"
Her mother shook her head sadly. "There are limits to even the Silver Crystal's power. Resurrection on such a scale would require an equal sacrifice. Sending you and the rest of your friends to the future cost me my life, and what remained of the Moon Kingdom. To accomplish what you wish would be..."
"You would trade one apocalypse for another," Selene finished gravely. "Grieve for the dead. Mourn them, but accept that they are dead. You can still save those who survive, however, and build a new world with them. One founded on peace and love, where something like this can never happen again."
It wasn't the answer Usagi wanted, but she saw the wisdom in it. "I understand."
"You can do this, my dear." Her mother brushed her cheek one last time. "Believe in yourself as I believe in you. As Endymion and your friends believe in you."
"Do not doubt. Do not fear, for you are not alone. You have friends and family; allies who will fight alongside you no matter what. United by love, know that you are far more powerful than any evil you face." Selene brushed a loose strand of hair from her eyes and smiled. "Now stand up, Usagi, and fight. You know what you must do."
The goddess embraced her...and she accepted her words in her heart. More than simple confidence, it brought real physical change. She could feel the tiny sliver of Chaos as it fought back within her, growing hot. It burned, shrieking like its mistress, but Usagi pressed on through gritted teeth. The pain became agony, threatening to overwhelm her yet again, until...it just melted away in a wave of warm, healing love...and she believed. They could do this. She could do this. For Chibiusa and Mamo-chan. For Mama, Papa, and Shingo. For Luna and Artemis and all of her friends. For all those Chaos had killed, and all those who yet lived...she would do this!
Usagi opened her eyes, gasping for breath. She was back on the throne room floor, a few feet from where Mamoru and Chibiusa lay. His eyes found hers, and their fingertips met. Chibiusa joined them moments later, and she was complete. Every muscle in her body ached, but that didn't seem to matter. An odd calm settled over her, for she knew what she had to do. There was still time to stop this.
She pushed off the ground onto unsteady feet, her vision returning. Chaos came back into view, straddling Mars. Choking her with an eerie, otherworldly calm. Usagi quickly raised her hands and focused, summoning the Silver Crystal between them. "Enough!"
Chaos' beady, bird-like eyes darted towards her. It released Mars and rose slowly, looming over her prone form. "So, you're not quite as broken as I thought. Do you need a second demonstration of my power?"
Usagi exhaled slowly as Mamoru and Chibiusa struggled to their feet behind her. Chaos extended its hand, sending another crimson blast towards her. This time, however, she simply willed it to stop. The Crystal's many facets flared to life, creating a shield between them that deflected the blast into the ceiling. Everything just felt right. She couldn't save everyone, and she understood now that had always been a fool's errand. No, she had to focus on those she could save. Free of her fears, free of her doubts, she'd found a new strength…and Chaos would find out how wrong it had been about her.
"No more," she said softly, as her ragged uniform melted away. A loose, fluttering dress of whites and creams appeared in its place, trimmed in silver thread and diamonds. "I refuse to allow any more death today." The wings at her back grew larger. Fuller; a form she'd taken only once before in her past, adrift between life and death during her last battle with Chaos.
Its ruby eyes narrowed. "What are you doing?"
"Ending this." Usagi looked down at the Silver Crystal, spinning slowly between her fingers. "No more running from my destiny. I am Princess Serenity, heir to the throne of the Moon Kingdom...and I will be queen someday. I accept that future, but that is not today. No, today I will save this world - my world, my home! - from the evil of Chaos." She held out her hand to Mamoru and smiled. "We can do this, my love, together as one. No more fear."
His blackened mask fell away, and he met her halfway with a smile of his own. His tuxedo faded, reshaping into the black and silver armour of Endymion. His cane grew long, tapering into a point; an elegant longsword that gleamed with the power of the Golden Crystal. "Together, Usako. Always."
Chaos extended its hand, sending another blast of negative energy against her defences. Usagi focused on her love for the man beside her, for their daughter, and blocked it just like the first. The Silver Crystal gleamed brighter than it had in what felt like an eternity. Endymion placed his hand on her shoulder in the simplest of gestures, but one that filled her with more confidence still. She fired back this time, a fearsome wave of Crystal energy that burst from its depths, racing across the ebony floor to crash down atop Chaos' form. There was no delay; no lapse, nor signs of exhaustion. She was fully attuned to the Crystal now and, true to Selene's word, it felt incredible!
"What are you doing?!" Chaos rose, its spectral form damaged for the first time that night. Smoke curled from its feathers in little ringlets, its crimson eyes blazing with fury. "You don't want this life! Why fight so hard to save it now?"
They exchanged another pair of blasts, cracking the floor beneath her feet. The Silver Crystal was a beacon of light, washing over them with tangible warmth. Usagi realised she now drifted more than two feet off the floor, encased in a large projection of the Crystal itself. Chaos' attacks were stopped at its outer edge, blocked as if by Justice and his shield...but her own subsequent attacks had fared no better.
"No matter," it muttered, massive wings flapping as it rose to meet her. "A stalemate benefits me in the end. You can't defeat me alone, no matter how strong you may have become."
"But she's not alone!"
"Corey!" Usagi beamed at his welcome voice. "You're alive!"
He blinked into existence behind Chaos, his hands already outstretched. "Judicial Flames!"
Caught by surprise, its back and wings burst into flames, the latter smouldering as they were literally burnt away. It fell to the floor and whipped around, firing back with a crimson bolt. He blinked to safety beside Usagi, a welcome sight despite his damaged, even bloody armour.
"One more ally makes no difference," Chaos spat, growing wilder in form. Angrier, somehow...and surely even more dangerous.
"What about two?"
It was Endymion's turn to smile. "Rinjirou! You made it!"
Like something out of a fairy tale, there they stood; a Princess, a Prince, and their Knights. Silver Crystal and Golden Crystal, Justiciar and Solguard; all in the same place, at the same time...fighting as one. Justice moved first, dashing forward in a rapid series of blinks that took him around Chaos, drawing its focus. Usagi took full advantage of its distracted state, blasting its unprotected back and causing even more damage. It turned on her with a snarl...and stepped right into Rinjirou and the blazing tip of Solguard.
Its monstrous exterior snuffed out in a blink, leaving them staring at a bloodied Megumi. She reached for him, sniffling as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Please, Rin. Help me! I don't know what's happening. I'm scared!"
He recoiled immediately, his expression one of disgust. Usagi almost shouted a warning, but Mamoru silenced her with a quick shake of his head. He's right, she realised. He's not an idiot, no matter what Rei says.
Megumi smiled faintly. Hopefully. "You'll help me, right? It's what you've wanted for so long..."
Rinjirou's eyes narrowed. "You're pathetic. Megumi would never beg like this. She was a warrior, far stronger than me...and you won't hurt anyone else like her!"
He grit his teeth and thrust forward with his sword, skewering her on the flaming blade. An inhuman scream tore from her throat as she was set alight from within. Her skin cracked and blackened, embers blazing through as the creature within burned in Hyperion's light. Still, Chaos rallied. The great spectral raven reappeared with an ear-piercing screech. It lashed out in obvious desperation, swatting him into the nearest wall with a sickening crunch. Then, it swept Justice up like a child's toy and drove him head first into the floor. Megumi's body collapsed underneath it, abandoned at last, and almost immediately crumbled to ash. Usagi could only hope the poor woman was at peace now.
"Enough of this!" Chaos rasped, backing up like a cornered dog. "Do not mistake this minuscule success for victory, for I am far from done! This world is mine. If you want it, Usagi, you must take it from me!"
It lashed out with the most devastating blast yet. She felt its sting even through the Crystal's barrier, an agonising, heatless burn that threatened to overwhelm her no matter how confident she was. Mamoru squeezed her hand tight, even as he held her up with the other, but she needed more. Her friends had been tested; accused of harbouring a lingering resentment towards her. Usagi believed in them, yes, but still…she needed to hear it. Feel it.
"Everyone!" she cried, not even sure they could hear her. "I need your help one last time. I can't do this without you! Your strength, your love; I need every one of you, and I always will, from here until to the end of time! Please, lend me whatever strength you can. Let us destroy this monster together!"
Before she knew it, Venus was at her back. "We're with you, Usagi. You know that."
Jupiter stood beside her, Mars leaning heavily on her shoulder. "Forever."
"No matter the cost," added the miko.
Mercury limped into place alongside her. "Because you're our friend."
"And…" A pale, bloody Uranus rasped, suspended between Pluto and Saturn, "We love you."
"Mama," whispered New Moon, reaching out for Endymion's hand. "Papa."
Saturn nodded. "Your Majesty."
"Serenity," Pluto said, with a slight bow.
Even Luna and Artemis had made it. "We're so proud of you, and Titus would be as well."
Mamoru squeezed her hand one last time. "I love you. I believe in you. We can do this. All of it."
Usagi inhaled sharply, their combined strength flowing through her and into the Silver Crystal. She could actually see it; a kaleidoscope of colour pouring into the gem. It hung there before her, almost bursting with their power; building like a tsunami. With every fibre of her being behind it, Usagi channelled everything at Chaos in this, their final effort. Darkness seemed to take the room as the Crystal stilled, growing dim in the calm before the storm.
The creature hung there above the earthly remains of Megumi Shoto, bracing for her blast. "Yes...do it..."
She set herself as best she could and raised the Crystal. She believed in herself but, more importantly, she believed in her friends. "Silver Moon...Crystal...POWER!"
Chaos wasn't going without a fight; it pushed back with every bit of strength it had left. Usagi clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth until they hurt. She pushed even harder, pouring every ounce of her will into the beam. Everything she had. A strange, crystalline chime rang in her ears, and the Crystal appeared to explode in a blinding display of power. It sent a brilliant sphere of energy out in all directions at once as she toppled over, utterly spent. The roar of rushing blood filled her ears as she gasped for breath, a worrying sensation...but it passed. Her eyes fluttered open as she stood, wobbling in place, and looked upon what was left of Chaos; a petrified statue.
Uranus coughed weakly as Saturn helped her sit up. "Is it dead now?"
Mercury summoned her computer, approaching it slowly as she tapped a few keys. "I believe so, but-"
An ominous crack echoed throughout the room. Usagi watched as a faint line spread across the creature's stony face, splitting its beak in half. Another followed, little pieces of ashen stone tumbling to the floor. Another crack, and another; she readied herself as it collapsed, and a tiny wisp of darkness curled into the air.
My Usagi. My dear nemesis. This new world I have built is yours now, but know that I will be watching...and waiting. You may have won the day, but I shall endure. Eternal...
A pair of ruby eyes flashed briefly in its depths as it ascended, eventually phasing through the ceiling to disappear. A chill ran down her spine, but a quick glance at her friends confirmed her suspicions: nobody else had heard Chaos speak. It was a message for her alone; a warning. It could never really be destroyed. It was born of evil, and so long as darkness existed within the hearts of men and women everywhere it would eventually reform. But not today. And not for a long time.
"No," she breathed, finally letting herself smile again. "It's done. We did it. The world is safe."
The changes were striking. They picked themselves up over the next few minutes, victory finally sinking in. Usagi's entire body ached; it felt like she'd just finished the most intense workout of her life, but it beat being dead. The great obsidian spire had been cleansed around them, now far more familiar. Gleaming walls of silver and blue, almost transparent in places to form 'windows' of a sort; this was the Crystal Palace of the future. She slumped against Mamoru, safe in the knowledge he'd support her, only...they had an important question to answer.
"Are you Endymion now?" she asked breathlessly. "And what about me? Am I still plain, simple Usagi...or am I Serenity?"
He laughed. "I'm not quite sure myself. I still feel like Mamoru."
"How does one go about becoming a queen anyway?" she wondered aloud, forced to giggle at the ridiculousness of it all. "It's one thing to know what's coming, but the how is just as important."
Nobody else answered. Her friends were clustered at the far wall, almost clear like glass after the cleansing of the tower. Tokyo lay beyond, the sun just now beginning to rise. Smoke rose from a few scattered fires not yet extinguished, and rubble littered the streets, but it stood; finally at peace. Light gleamed off a distant crystal tower; one of the smaller ones Chaos had conjured, now cleansed of its evil and equally beautiful.
"We won," she whispered, still not quite able to believe it. "We really won." Despite Chaos' warnings...
Mamoru abruptly shifted behind her, guiding her back to her feet. "I should really see to the others."
His meaning was clear as he hurried towards Uranus. Saturn had already started working on her wounds, but it couldn't hurt to have both healers working their magic. Most of her friends could probably use their help after what they'd been through. They're alive. I didn't lose anyone else. Thank you, Selene...and thank you, Mother.
The warm tickle of fur grazed her cheek as Luna leapt onto her shoulders. "I'm so glad you're alright! All of you!"
"I've died three times already!" Venus called wearily, flashing a limp V-sign. "That's more than enough for me." She brightened a little as an armour-free Corey finally limped to her side, practically tackling him. "Nice entrance, cutie!"
"Well, I do what I can…"
The rest of the Senshi chattered back and forth excitedly as the stress began to bleed off, but Usagi remained distracted. She watched as Mamoru approached Rinjirou and his Knights, all three surely hurt to some degree. They waved him off despite his protests - not a great sign. Her gaze returned to Tokyo as she contemplated her future path.
"You seem troubled."
Startled, she turned to find Pluto studying her curiously. "No, I just..." She sighed and nodded. "I wonder if any of this was really meant to happen?"
The Guardian of Time considered a moment. "This is not the birth of Crystal Tokyo as I remember it, yet I suspect...in time...that too will correct itself." She leaned heavily on her staff and continued with a weary sigh of her own. "Time is fluid, Usagi. Ever-shifting. We may wish otherwise, but this is now history as you shall remember it. The Crystal Tokyo revealed to you all those years ago is no more."
New Moon wrapped Usagi in a loose hug from behind. "So, that's it? Chaos created Crystal Tokyo? I get to be reminded of its evil for the rest of my extremely long life?"
"Oh, I don't know, Small Lady." The Guardian of Time flashed a rare, mystifying smile. "It seems to me that Crystal Tokyo now stands as a reminder that evil will always be there, just beneath the surface...but it will never prevail so long as there are those willing to stand against it."
I will be watching...and waiting...
Usagi forced a faint smile, reflecting again on Chaos' last words. "I like your version better."
Pluto clapped her on the shoulder, seeming to stare into her very soul for a moment. "Fear not, Usagi Tsukino. This is not the end of your story. Merely the beginning of a new chapter...of Serenity."
That really struck a chord. I am worried, or at least I was...but I really needed to hear that from someone else.
"Aw, well said, Puu," New Moon cheered. "And I was actually here to see it happen!"
"Indeed," Pluto said dryly. "However, on that note..." She snapped her fingers, her own smile fading. "I must get you home."
"Really?" Usagi's heart sank, and she clung to her daughter protectively. "Are you sure she can't stay just a little longer, Setsuna?"
"It's bad enough she was here to begin with. There are already more than enough paradoxes in need of repair without allowing another to flourish, and..." Pluto trailed off, a hint of resignation in her eyes. "It's time to go, Small Lady. Please, say your goodbyes. This must be the last time you return."
One by one, New Moon made her rounds with the other Sailor Senshi. There were tears with Mercury, laughs with Venus, hugs with Jupiter and Saturn, and more. Finally, she returned to Usagi with Mamoru in tow. Eyes wet with tears, she let her transformation fade and stood before her as Chibiusa.
"You really have grown a lot," Usagi whispered, unconciously mirroring her own Mother's earlier words.
"That's something," Mamoru agreed, with a sad smile. "We got another sneak peek at what's to come."
They embraced as one, their daughter holding them tight. "I know I'll see you again as soon as I get home, but it's just not the same. What if everything is different? Worse, what if it's the same...and you're all too busy for me?"
"You heard Pluto," Usagi assured her. "Time is ever-shifting, and I can't imagine being that distant queen you described when we first me. I refuse to let that happen."
Mamoru placed his arm around her waist. "Agreed. We'll be there for you, Chibiusa. Always."
"The same goes for us," Venus said firmly. "We're not going anywhere."
"Don't let us forget that," added Mars, with a stern finger wag. "Remind us of this very moment if we ever try."
"I will." Chibiusa dabbed at her eyes and stole one last quick hug before moving to Pluto's side. "Okay, Puu. Let's go before I start crying again."
Pluto drove her staff into the floor with a crystalline ting. An iridescent, purple hole in space-time opened beside her, roughly rectangular in shape. "I'm sure we shall see you all again...in time."
They stepped through, Chibiusa giving a final wave...and the gateway closed silently behind them. Usagi sagged into Mamoru's side, already missing her terribly...but hopeful for a better future. Then, Corey ruined it all with a snorting laugh.
"Ha. In time. She actually made a joke!"
"Hey, now. Setsuna can be funny." Venus' eyes sparkled mischievously as she paused for effect. "From time to time..."
Mars' groan echoed around them. "Ancestors, grant me strength!"
"So..."
Rinjirou's sudden appearance startled Usagi. She backed away from the 'window' before her, taking one last look at the crowd forming below. A ring of gold kept the base of the spire clear; his Exalted Knights were still here as well. The Knight-Commander's armour was dented, and blackened with soot, but he seemed otherwise okay. Two of his Knights flanked him, their faces obscured behind golden helms. They appeared to be in similar condition...though she doubted they'd let on even if they were hurt.
"I'd say they want answers," he said, gesturing below.
"I don't have any for them. No lies this time."
Rinjirou shrugged. "Well, I'm sure you'll think of something."
"You're leaving already?"
"We made our intentions clear before this whole thing kicked off," he said flatly. "Our ride out will be here in a few minutes." His cold blue eyes studied her a moment, tight and focused...and, surprisingly, he relented. "You really didn't want this, did you? You still don't."
"But here I am all the same."
He stared out at the distant crowd, arms folded across his chest. "I always wondered how the world could just wake up one day and decide monarchy was okay again. On a global scale, no less." He sighed and backed away. "But I get it now. Those people down there? After all the brutality and devastation they've seen, they're scared. Broken."
"I know."
"It'll take a lot of work. They'll need rebuilding too...and that will take leadership."
Usagi brightened a little. "And you think I'm the right person for the job?"
"Absolutely not," he said, with a rude snort, "But I suppose there are worse candidates." A heavy sigh fell from his lips. "Listen. You're not my favourite person in the world, and you never will be, but who else is going to get Japan back on its feet?"
"Oh, I don't know," she said, with a glimmer of hope. "You could always stick around and help out?"
Rinjirou glanced to his right. To Rei, a fact not lost on Usagi. "No. That's...not who I am. I revived a long-dead order of knights to give Earth the neutral protection it needs, aligned with nobody but the people themselves. I'm not about to risk corrupting our purpose by going anywhere near politics. I do have some standards." He cracked a rare smile, though it didn't last. "I want to believe things will be different moving forward, but you lied to me...to us...and we won't forget that. Admit it or not, you do have an agenda, Usagi, and we can't remain truly neutral if we're friends."
That hurt a little, but she met his stare regardless. "We don't have to be enemies."
He hesitated a moment before shaking his head. "No. We don't...and I hope we never do. Perhaps one day, after the wounds have healed and you've proven..." He trailed off with another sigh. "Farewell, Your Highness. I hope we never have cause to return to Tokyo."
"As do I...but you're always welcome all the same."
"We'll see." Rinjirou extended his hand as Mamoru returned, a little less standoffish. "Be safe...and don't let the power go to your head."
"I won't," he assured him. "I've learned from my past, and I know who I am."
"I hope so." The Knight-Commander turned, flanked again by his Knights, and headed for the staircase. He faltered by Mars, however; hesitating almost timidly before taking a knee. "Mars. Rei. I...I wish-"
"I know," she said icily. "Just go, okay?" She ducked her head, but not fast enough to hide the tears welling up in her eyes...and it broke Usagi's heart. "In another life..."
He stood quickly, adopting the familiar emotionless expression they associated him with. "Another life." He disappeared down the stairs, the clang of his Knights' boots fading in their wake.
Mercury placed a hand on Mars' shoulder in silence. The steady thrum of a helicopter drew near, until it passed by the 'window' on its descent. There it was; their short-lived alliance was done. The Exalted Knights were leaving Tokyo, and Usagi found she was content with their decision. Earth would have more defenders - never a bad thing - and they would have no cause to fight. I'm not some tyrant in waiting like the Order of Black thought. I don't want this life, but...I can help. Japan must be rebuilt, and I can do a lot of good with the power of the Silver Crystal. It'd be cruel not to help, really...and if I don't proclaim myself a queen...
"So that's it, huh?" Jupiter muttered aloud. "The Exalted Knights march off in peace, and here we are in Crystal Tokyo. I figured we had more time." She sighed miserably. "I hate to admit it, but that evil bitch was right. Our futures are gone."
Venus sank to the floor. "Goodbye, idol dream. Heck, not even my teaching career is safe."
"Remember what Chibiusa said about the us of her time?" Mercury asked. "We were absent. Uninvolved. Too busy for her."
Jupiter nodded glumly. "And if we can't make time for a friend, for family...how will we ever make time for our dreams?"
"Are you all stupid, or just deaf?" Mars limped painfully to her feet, tears still staining her cheeks. "Were any of you listening to Pluto before? That future is gone. Everything is in our hands now. We can make whatever we want of ourselves, so quit your whining and start thinking about what you can do instead of throwing it all away without even trying!"
Venus nodded slowly, her cheeks bright red. "Rei's right. I mean, I've balanced my dreams and my Senshi life before, and I can do it again!"
"I remember the pile of assignments on our coffee table," Corey muttered idly. "Balanced isn't the word I'd use."
"You're not helping!" she growled, smacking him across the shoulder.
"Ow…"
Usagi couldn't quite hold back a snicker. Despite their surreal surroundings, this felt almost normal. Somehow, they'd come through the end of the world mostly unscathed; it was the beginning of the next that would likely prove the real challenge.
"That's crowd getting bigger," Mamoru said quietly, squeezing her hand.
"There are more survivors than we'd hoped!" Mercury agreed, grinning wildly.
"Are we going down there?" Saturn asked, nervously cradling her Glaive at her side. "I don't like crowds..."
"Well, that's okay." Uranus placed an arm around her shoulders. "Just hang back with me. I'll keep you safe...and I could use the support, if I'm being honest."
"I've got you, Haruka-papa."
Usagi squeezed Mamoru's hand in return and smiled. "Well, my love? Are you sure you're with me?"
He kissed her tenderly in response. "Always, Usako."
They descended slowly from the spire; the apparent future Crystal Palace. The Silver Crystal generated a bubble around them, affording them beautiful views of the skyline on the way down, including the five smaller spires now rising from the Crystal Points. Usagi couldn't believe how easily she'd accessed its power, simply willing the levitating force into existence. Selene's advice had been spot-on; as soon as she really let herself believe, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
The crowd awaited below, even larger than it had seemed from above. A scattered few began to flee, not trusting of anything magic, and she couldn't really blame them. This was all that remained of Tokyo's citizenry, at least here in the central business district. They'd survived Chaos' purge, enduring untold horrors and unspeakable evils. I doubt I would be all that trusting either in their place.
A hush fell over the assembled masses as their bubble touched down and faded. Soon, though, they began to speak. Isolated voices at first, barely even whispers, then more as others found their courage. An ever-growing din; a cacophony of pleas and questions almost deafening in volume. Without the Exalted Knights to hold them back, the first few people surged forward, emboldening those behind. The Senshi tightened up around Usagi instinctively, but she pushed her way through and raised her hands, waiting for some acknowledgement. In a small miracle, those closest to her actually stopped...though the questions continued.
"What happened?"
"Is that thing really gone?!"
"What did you do?"
"Who is that, and where is Sailor Moon?"
"My son is still missing!"
"I knew the Sailor Senshi would save us!"
"Did you turn those crystal towers clear?"
"Help us, please!"
Usagi kept her hands up, waiting for silence...or a lull, at least. "I know you have many questions. For now, just know that the evil is gone. You're all safe."
The crowd roared to life again almost immediately; a wall of sound and emotion. Glee, relief, sorrow, pain, fear; it hit her almost physically.
"So many are gone..."
"How will we rebuild?"
"There's no coming back from this."
"Who will look after us?"
"Please, my son is missing!"
"Who will keep us safe?!"
Again, she raised her hands. "The Sailor Senshi. We will help you. We will keep you safe."
A dozen voices called out at once, "But who are you?"
That's right, she realised, as the wind picked up and stirred the long, flowing gown she now wore. I'm not really Sailor Moon anymore. That mantle belongs to Chibiusa, no matter how many years away that might be. Sailor Moon isn't all that helpful right now anyway. These people don't need a warrior; they need a leader, like Rinjirou said. One thing became obvious as soon as she started thinking. I can't use my real name. Mama and Papa don't need all the attention that would bring...especially if any of Chaos' Hunters have survived. But what else? Then, as she recalled her conversation with Pluto, it clicked. Oh, Setsuna. One last little helping hand. She looked first to Mamoru, and then her friends. Buoyed by their smiles, their love and support, she exhaled...and addressed the crowd once more.
"My name...is Serenity."
THE END
AN: Wow. I actually did it. The final chapter of RotEK...done. I have mixed feelings as I type this out. Relief, because this has been a RIDICULOUSLY long endeavour, and also a strange kind of sadness...because this is it. I'm done with this weird, alt-universe I created and all its OCs that I've come to love writing. There may be an epilogue of sorts, but I'm torn on that front as well. On the one hand, there are a few little threads dangling that I could tidy up...but I also feel like this is the perfect ending. Right here, on the final line from Usagi. I have a few scenes outlined, and I suppose nothing says I can't put it out as a little standlone one-shot. Let me know what you prefer, I guess. I'll gauge interest and see what happens.
Anyway, I am...a little drained, to be honest, so I'm going to leave this here. I've said it before, but I'm gonna say it one last time: thank you SO MUCH to my regular readers and reviewers. You have kept me going over almost THREE YEARS since I first began Order of Black, through burn-out and writer's block and so many other hurdles. I can only hope this finale did the story justice in your minds. Special thanks in particular go to metalgear. You've been with me from the start, and our furious PM exchanges and your constant notes and critiques have been of immense help. I don't honestly think I would have finished this epic without your support, so thank you once again.
This is not goodbye, but I will be stepping away from the Sailor Moon universe and fanfiction in general for a while. I have some original ideas swirling around in my head, and I think I finally have the confidence - after close to 850,000 words of Last Guardian Knight and now the Order of Black/RotEK tandem - to give them a go. I'll be around if any of you want to chat, and I'll getting back into reading more fanfic as well; where this crazy journey actually began! Thank you all.
Lisseas